Running Mama

Loving Larabars!!

2010-07-19T19:41:00.000-07:00

Last week a good friend from high school came for a visit! We grew up one town apart, but now she lives on the other side of the country. I hadn't seen her since I was pregnant with my daughter, who is now 7!!

It was a great visit! She is also a runner, who recently finished her first marathon and is training for her second. We even got to go for a run together, which was such fun!

While she was here, she introduced me to Larabars and I am now head-over-heels in love! I bought these flavors last week and loved them all!

The main ingredients are nuts and dates. There are VERY few ingredients in each one, but that taste delish! For example, the pb&j one has dates, peanuts, unsweetened cherries and salt....and that is it!! I ate one for a quick breakfast on the go this morning and it was delish and filling. I HIGHLY recommend these....gotta get more at the store tomorrow!

Running at Night

2010-07-13T20:06:00.001-07:00

First of all, thank you to everyone for all of your positive and encouraging comments about my back injury....they made me feel so much better and motivated and inspired me...you guys rock!!!!

I ran 5 miles on Sunday with little to no back pain....yeah!

This summer has been CRAZY trying to fit everything in. There are so many things I want to do with the kids and only so many hours in the day. Tonight by the time I was able to get for a run it was getting dark.

Luckily....I was just down in NYC to visit my sis and picked this up at a running store:

An Amphipod light! The light I had been wearing around my arm was not very bright. I got it for free at a race and knew I needed something brighter. This light looked great in the store and when I got home and compared the 2 side by side the amphipod was clearly MUCH brighter. I wore it around my ankle and it was very comfortable.

My neighborhood is very residential so I am comfortable running at night. My only issue is making myself as visible as possible to drivers. I wore the amphipod light, carried a flashlight and wore a reflective vest. My only issues with the vest is there is very little reflective surface on the back and although I run on the left side of the road, I still worry about the cars coming up behind me.

Anyone else run at night??? Any helpful tips for me???

My back

2010-07-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

So...I have talked about having back problems before and figured I would share some details. I wonder if anyone has gone through anything similar.

About 2 years ago I was reaching forward and felt something pull in my back and all of a sudden my back was in spasm. It was really painful and difficult to walk, but resolved itself after a week or so. The same thing happened in January during training for my half, but this time took at least 2 weeks before I was back to running.

After my half I started having back pain again, but not the same kind as before. I am a PT, but currently taking a few years off to stay home with the kids. I was able to successfully treat myself the first 2 times. This time I was just not seeing enough improvement and decided to go see a friend from school work is an orthopedic specialist and works with a lot of athletes.

He evaluated me and decided my problem was currently with my SI (sacroiliac) joint. I have a lot of weakness in my back, hips and abdominals and his theory is that after running a few miles I get the pain because my muscles are fatiguing and my form gets bad. He taped me and I went for a run and it helped a lot, but I found out I was allergic to the tape. :(

Right now I am wearing a soft brace for running and activity. I am doing a LOT of strengthening work for my hips, back and abdominals. When I go for PT, once a week, the PT stretches me and does some joint mobilization.

I do see an improvement, but I still get the pain at times. Speed work is difficult to do...I have to only speed up moderately or else the pain starts. I know it will take a while, but I am so not patient!!

Anyone else ever have to deal with back pain and a running injury???

Winners!

2010-06-21T18:54:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the delay in announcing the winners....things have been CRAZY here! End of the school year stuff has been keeping me busy...I just can't ever seem to say "no". Anyone else have that problem?? Also, Bubby turns 4 this weekend, which means 20 kids at an inflatables party and then family/friends/neighbors over for a BBQ...so busy!

On to the winners!!! Since I am totally low-tech, I put the names in a hat and had my husband pick 2.

And the winners are.....

Beth and Alanna!!! Beth, your name was picked first, so contact me and let me know which Bondi band you would like. Alanna, you get the remaining Bondiband. Please e-mail me at:
sazpt1 at yahoo dot com with your address and I will send it out to you. Congrats ladies!!!

My First Giveaway!!!

2010-06-14T10:44:00.000-07:00

I recently bought a Sweaty band and posted about how much I loved it. I figured to be fair, I would also try a Bondi Band.

I got mine in the mail the other day, just in time for some REALLY humid weather. I have curly hair, which tends to get WILD in the humid weather. So..I put my hair up in a pony, slipped on the Bondi Band and headed out for 5 very sticky miles.

The result is...I LOVED it!! It is wider than the sweaty band, but did a very good job of keeping my crazy hair in place. It was very comfortable to wear and stayed right in place.

Here I am rocking one after my run.

So...in honor of the fact that I am shocked to now have 109 followers...I am giving away 2 Bondi Bands!!! One is black with pink dots and one is a blue zebra.

To enter, just either be or become a follower and leave me a comment to let me know. For another entry, post a link to my giveaway on your blog and leave me a comment to let me know.

You can enter until midnight on Friday and then I will draw 2 winners. The first name I draw with get first choice of which one you would like and the second name gets whichever one is left.

Hooray for Bondi Bands!!

Rail Trail 5K race report

2010-06-08T12:03:00.001-07:00

This past Saturday I ran in a local 5K. The location was the rail trail where I normally train, so I know it well. I had debated all week about whether or not to run it, given my current back injury. I had had an awful run the Tuesday before and had to stop due to back spasms. On Thursday I had a fair, but slow, run.

Last year I had PRed at this race. It was difficult to go back this year and run it knowing I would be much slower. But...I decided that the day I don't do a race because I worry it won't be my fastest is the day I need to hang up my running shoes. I need to remember that I run because I truly love it and not let my competitive self get in the way.

I decided to go ahead and run it and try to stuck to around 10 minutes miles, because it seems the faster I go the worse my back is.

I arrived to the race about 20 minutes prior to the start. It was a very small race...just over 100 people and completely flat, out and back course. I grabbed my packet, put on my number and started my warm-up.

Before I knew it, we were off. It was very hard at the start to stick to 10:00 miles. I wanted to take off and run my best, but didn't want my back to give out in the middle, so I stuck to my pace.

By the time I made it to the halfway turn-around I was sore, but it was manageable. I kept on chugging along. By the time I hit 2 miles I picked up the pace a bit. I ran the last 1/2 mile at my normal 5K pace and was sore but able to finish it. My final time was 29:42....a far cry from last year's 26:52. But, I was glad I got out there and stuck it out.

About 1/4 mile from the end there was a man collapsed on the side of the course being loaded onto a golf cart to be taken to the ambulance at the finish. He was a tall, built guy and was a complete rag doll at the time...4 large men struggled to get him on. My guess is dehydration. It was very hot and humid. Kind of a scary finish to the race.

So...not the most interesting race report. I have since the race been fitted for an SI support and ran with it yesterday and my back felt great, which is awesome. I will talk a little more about my back injury and PT in my next post. :)

Here I am after the race:

I won!!

2010-06-02T18:55:00.000-07:00

I actually won a giveaway!!! Julie, over at Julie's Running Blog, hosted a giveaway and I won one of the smaller prizes. The package arrived yesterday and let me tell you, it made my day! Presents in the mail just rock!!

The package had everything below...a sweet card, 2 gels, beans and a Starbucks gift card, which will certainly come in handy, since I am there every day! Thanks Julie!! If you don't already follow her, check out her blog...I love reading it!

I have been to PT twice now for my back pain. After the first session of stretching, manipulation, modalities and taping, it felt great. Unfortunately I am allergic to the tape and have to stop that. By yesterday I had to stop a run after 2 miles. I was disappointed, but determined to stick with the treatment plan and my exercises.

I have been doing more cross training. I have a hybrid Trek bike and took it out for a ride today. I really enjoyed it! I need to invest in some gloves and cycling shorts. Anyone have any suggestions for the cycling shorts?? I am definitely a bike newbie.

Running with MissyMiss

2010-05-27T19:46:00.000-07:00

So...my 7-year-old daughter, MissyMiss, has decided that she wants to be a runner. She wants to train for and run a 5K with me this summer...no more kid runs for her.

I took her out the other day and we ran 1.6 miles with 2 short walking breaks...she did great!!! The picture below is of a picture she drew of the 2 of us running. The other one is just before our run.

Anyone have any experience with kids training for a 5K?? Any advice for me???

Sweaty Bands!

2010-05-20T07:55:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have loved the look of a headband with a pony tail. My hair tends to get crazy when I workout, so I like the idea of something to hold back all the crazies. I tried thin, stretchy ones from Target and did not like them...too tight and didn't stay in. I bought a cute package of Under Armour ones, but they also didn't stay in.

The other day I saw these on someone else's blog and figured I would order one and give it a try....I LOVE it!! It looks super cute and stays in! I bought a camo one and then placed a second order with a polka dot one for me and a soccer one for MissyMiss.

They are called Sweaty Bands and are available here.

My back has been bugging me a bit and causing me to cut runs short and miss runs, so I am going to go see a physical therapist next week and hope that it helps. My mattress is also old, so I just picked out a new one. :)

It is gorgeous here today, but I am home with a sick boy. Hopefully I can squeeze in a run once hubby gets home from work!

More HM Pics and Thoughts

2010-05-14T11:30:00.000-07:00

Since the race I have thought of a few more things to share:
1. The best spectator sign I saw read "Run Like You Stole Something"...I LOVED it! I actually laughed out loud.
2. In high school I ran cross country. I knew one of my old teammates would also be running the half and I saw her around mile 9. It was fun to chat for a bit and great to see her!
3. My quads were KILLING me for several days after the race. I finally remembered that miles 8-13 are a gradual downhill. I forgot how killer the downhills can be!
4. I am still a little sensitive about the fact that I don't have a "runner's body". I am working on getting over it. I was so amazed at the starting line to see a TON of others girls without a "runner's body"...it did a lot for my nerves.
5. When I went through a water stop, I always tried to throw my cup off to the side. However, it seems everyone in front of me were content to just drop it right in the middle of the road, leaving us back-of-the-packers to wade through a sea of cups. Is it just me, or is that rude??
6. At mile 11 I almost fell..hard. My foot got stuck in a rut in the road and I ended up lurching forward. I must have had a guardian angel that day, because I somehow recovered without landing flat on my face. A guy watching on the sides gasped when it happened. After I recovered I looked up and said "Wow...that could have been ugly!"
7. And finally...being that it was my first half I actually purchased the race pictures. I plan on framing one...still trying to decide where to put it...total dork, I now. I am the one in the blue hat. Here they are:

Long Island Half Marathon

2010-05-08T18:55:00.000-07:00

Well, it has taken me almost a week, but here it is...my race report!

I grew up on Long Island, but now live 4 hours away. Originally my mom and daughter were going to come along with me, but due to some unforeseen circumstances, I ended up going by myself. The race was on Sunday, but I drove down on Saturday so I could pick up my number and race packet at the Expo. The Expo was small, but I did manage to get 2 shirts from the Run Like a Girl booth...one for me and one for MissyMiss.

Saturday night was the first time I ever slept in a hotel room alone....very strange! It was a bit lonely, but also a little nice to settle down and watch a movie in the quiet without having to explain to the front desk why I can't keep my 3-year-old away from the phone. :)

I went to bed around 11, but had a hard time sleeping! I had 2 alarms and a wake-up call set, but was still worried about oversleeping and ended up waking up every hour!

I was up for good at 6 and checked e-mail, watched some tv and had my traditional long run breakfast: bread with peanut butter, mini Kitkat and Capri sun.

My hotel was right across the street from the starting line, which ROCKED! I left my room with 30 minutes until race time. The weather called for record high heat and humidity, so I decided to wear my hydration belt and was very glad I did!

With a few minutes to go I found my spot at the "10+ minute miles" and waited to start. Before I knew it, we were off! I got really emotional at the start of the race. It had been along road just to get there and it almost felt like a dream. My plan was to stay around 11:00-11:30 miles. It was VERY crowded and my first mile was likely even slower. I am not used to racing in such a big crowd!

The first few miles were FUN! Everyone around me was so excited and the energy was great. I noticed that as the miles ticked by people got quieter and quieter.

There was a water stop just about every mile and since it was so hot and humid, I drank at every water stop. By mile 5 I was feeling like I should use a porta-potty, but as I ran by one, it had a good 6 people on line. I didn't want to lose time, so I just kept running. The next one also had a line.

At mile 6 I ate my fruit flat even though I didn't feel hungry. I definitely felt better after eating it.

Now I am around mile 7 or 8 and know I have to use the bathroom soon. The guys are running behind stores and into bushes, but I could never do that. At this point, we are on a highway with lots of store and I spot it...a DUNKIN DONUTS!! As I am pondering running in, I see a guy running out. That decided it, I ran in for a quick pit stop, even washed my hands and then right back out on the course!

The rest is a blur. As the miles went out people really slowed down and more and more took walking breaks. I was able to run the whole race and was shocked with how many people I passed in the last few miles. On my long runs, I always picked up the pace a bit for the last mile or so and I was able to do that during the race and passed a TON of people during the last mile. I felt AWESOME at the finish!!

I finished in 2:27. My #1 was to just finish. My 2nd goal was to finish under 2:30, so I did it!!!

I am still a bit in shock that I actually achieved something I have dreamed about for so long!!!

Here are a few pics from the race:

The starting line! The race actually started on the other side of the ballon arch.

Me before the race

Me after the race....I DID IT!!!

I have felt a bit strange this week...a little lost regarding my running. For so long I have been so focused about running this half. It was a little strange to not have a plan for what next. So...I signed up for a 5K the first weekend in June! My plan for the summer is to work on speed and the local 5 and 10Ks.

I also apologize for not vising everyone's blogs as much as usual...it has been a crazy week! I intend to catch up in the next few days!

I did it!

2010-05-02T18:16:00.000-07:00

I did it!!! I finished my first half marathon...such an amazing feeling. It was so worth all of the training and hard work to get here! Full race report to come...I am just too pooped right now!

Almost there...

2010-04-29T19:29:00.000-07:00

First, thank you to everyone for all of your support and comments...they make my day!!!

I did my last run today before my half on Sunday. I feel strong and ready...can't wait!

I have some AMAZING friends, who know me so well! My friend Beth, who I know from back in my high school days, is also a runner. We only get to talk running now, since we live on opposite sides of the country. I got this package from her and it made my day! It is a Runner Girl magnet and Swedish Fish, my favorites!! Beth has run several half marathons and has her first full marathon coming up in June...Go Beth!

Then, tonight my friend Michelle dropped off a gift bag for me and inside were some great magazines and all my favorite pre-long run foods: pb, kit-kat, capri sun and my mid-run snack, fruit flats. Michelle is so unbelievably sweet and thoughtful, and she knows me so well!

I picked up this shirt for myself the other day. I can't seem to help myself when it comes to the Nike shirts that say something cute. :)

I am prepping my iPod for the race. What is your favorite song to run or work-out to????

Happy Birthday Missy Miss!

2010-04-26T18:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I am officially old...my daughter turned 7 a few weeks back. Instead of having a party with her friends, this year she chose a weekend trip to New York City to go to the American Girl store.

It was a BLAST!! The hotel we stayed in was only a few blocks from American Girl and Times Square. We went shopping at American Girl and also had afternoon tea there, which was delicious and such fun! We also had her doll's hair done and ears pierced while we were then.

We did a lot of walking around. My husband and I grew up in NYC and Long Island, but my kids have only lived out here in the country. They love visiting NYC. Our hotel had a revolving door, which completely entertained the kids.

Here are some pics from out trip!

I completely LOVE cupcakes. I have had cupcakes from Crumbs once before and they were delicious! I was thrilled to learn our hotel was only a few doors down from a Crumbs. We got a mini-cupcake sampler, which was a great way to try a lot of the flavors.

Here is MissyMiss and her doll at tea. They brought a little doll chair to the table and her doll even got her own cup and saucer. Bubby found a little boy doll that we got for him, which he calls "American Girl boy doll".

It was such a fun and memorable trip!

I love you guys!

2010-04-22T18:47:00.000-07:00

First of all, thank you so very much to everyone who commented on my last blog post. I appreciate the advice and encouragement so very much...you guys rock!!

I did 12 miles on Saturday and felt great! That will be my longest run before the half on May 2. My plan for this weekend is 8 miles.

I am still undecided as to whether or not to wear the fuel belt. If it is going to be hot, I will, since I like Gatorade during runs on hot days. If it is not hot, I plan to just wear a Nathan gel-holder belt I just got. It is big enough to hold my fruit flats and keys.

I am now up to 85 followers...wow! Judging by my hit counter there are a lot more people visiting my blog than there are people who leave comments. I would love it if anyone reading this post could leave me a quick comment with something interesting about yourself...what state do you live in? Are you a runner?? What is your favorite color? Anything! Especially if you have a blog...I would love to know so I can visit!

HM Advice

2010-04-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

I have less than 3 weeks to my first half marathon. I am starting to get nervous! I have 12 miles scheduled this weekend and then I will start my taper.

Anyone have any pieces of advice for a first timer???

Also..I have thought of wearing my hydration belt so I don't have to rely on the water stops. I also like to drink gatorade when it is hot. Do other people wear them for a half or would I look like a weirdo??

Here are some pics from my b-day. My kids decorated my cake and each picked me out presents. I slept in late (10 am!), had breakfast in bed, went out shopping on my own with some b-day $, out to dinner with hubby and kids and then cake and presents. It was an AWESOME day!

Reviews

2010-04-08T19:27:00.000-07:00

Today I ran the longest run in my life...11 miles! It was unseasonably warm here and I was tired, but I did it!!! When I was 16 I wussed out of a 7 mile run because I thought I could never make it. Now...it is just days from my 32nd birthday and I am happy to report that my 32-year-old self is kicking my 16-year-old self's butt!

I tried my Recovery socks for the first time after the run and my legs feel great...much less achy than after my 10 miler 2 weeks ago. My husband has been teasing me about my knee-high fuschia socks all day, but I don't care...they feel great!

I also just finished Yasso's book and thoroughly enjoyed it. I had thought it would be more about training. It is actually only a little about training and a lot about his life. That man is AMAZING!!! I really loved reading about his races, his struggles and his triumphs. He is very honest in the book, but also does not come off as the least bit cocky, despite his amazing achievements. I give it 2 thumbs up!

My birthday is Sunday I love being a mom having a birthday. My husband took me 3-year-old son out to buy me a present and when they got home he ran in the door and yelled "I got you an apron!!" So much for the surprise! (I actually LOVE aprons, so it is perfect for me.) Then, I had my daughter out shopping at my favorite store, LOFT, the other night and she came over to me and said "Can I please have $29.50 so I can buy you your birthday present???" There is not much at that store I don't like, so I forked over the money. Then she told me that "I want it to be a surprise, but I can tell you it is some kind of earrings." It does my heart good to see how excited my kids get about picking out presents for me. Can't wait to open my presents!

Etiquette

2010-04-02T20:12:00.000-07:00

When I run outside, I run on a paved trail. When the weather is nice, as it has been lately, it can get crowded. I don't really mind the crowds, as long as everyone is courteous.
But...lately there are far too many times when people are not courteous. Here are a few examples from runs this week.
1. I had just started out when I felt my foot kick something...it was DOG POOP!! Right in the middle of the path! And my shoes were brand new! NOT a good way to start a run!
2. When I ran yesterday I took my daughter with me and she rode her bike as I ran. She is only 6, but is very good at following the rules of a shared path. She was riding a bit ahead of me and was about to pass a man, on the left, who was walking a dog. Just as she is about to pass, the man see a person with a dog coming from the other direction and decides to cross to the other side without checking over his shoulder to see if anyone is passing him. My daughter swerved just in time to miss hitting the leash. The man didn't even seem to care until I yelled something at him...I was annoyed!! I yelled "Dude...my kid is trying to pass!!" Nothing awful...but I think he got the idea.
3. I was running along tonight having a great run when 2 girls come up from behind me and pass...one on each side of me with barely an inch to spare! WTF!!! They were around 18...old enough to know that is rude. It is not even like it is a race! I was really annoyed until I caught up with them at the 1 mile mark and they were WALKING!!! Is it awful of me that it made me smile to see them walking and then pass them?? I wouldn't have even thought twice about them walking, except I was already mad about how they chose to pass.

So....what do other people do about shared paths and rude people?? I usually say something when it is warranted. Unfortunately my 3-year-old son is with me a lot and has seemed to catch on. There was a lady in front of us the other day (who was not being rude at all) and he yelled out "Out of our way lady!!!' I was mortified!!!

Craziness

2010-03-29T13:34:00.001-07:00

The last week or so has been CRAZY here. MissyMiss is turning 7 and we had her family party this past weekend. We also had some friends over, along with family, making for a total of 9 kids. Wow, did those kids have fun!! We did an Easter egg hunt in the house which was a huge hit! Here I am with the birthday girl!

I just got this book from Amazon. Has anyone else read it?? I am in the middle of reading Yasso's book and then I will start this one.

I also just ordered these Recovery socks. Has anyone tried them? So far I have heard good things, so I figured I would give them a try.

Last weekend my long run was 9 miles and it felt GREAT! I ran faster than usual and just felt awesome. The good weather definitely helped! This weekend I did 10...it was rough because the wind was wicked, but I finished at just slightly slower than last weekend. But, just a few hours after the run my legs were stiff and a bit sore. Who knew just one more mile could make such a difference?? I went to the gym this morning and did 40 minutes on the bike and my legs felt much better after.

I have another training question. My half is May 2. I plan to do 11 miles on 4/10 and 12 miles on 4/17. That will be my last long run before the taper. My question is what to do this weekend. I will not be able to run Sat/Sun, but have a babysitter coming Thursday morning so I can get my long run for the week in. Should I do another 10? Use it as a fall-back week and only do 8?? Need advice!!! :)

Running on the Sun

2010-03-23T06:08:00.000-07:00

I recently got this movie through Netflix and LOVED it!. I think you have to be a runner to fully appreciate it, because my husband was not very interested. It is about Badwater...a 135 mile race in extreme temperatures of up to 130-degrees with 60 hours to complete it. It was truly AMAZING to watch.

The profiled some of the participants before, during and after the race. It was a very interesting group. There was a 68 year old man running it, as well as 2 amputees.

I found it very inspiring to watch. It is also very real and shows everything....blistered feet, vomiting, crying in pain, etc. Not everyone finished and that was heartbreaking to watch. Some of my friends think I am crazy to want to run at all, much less train for a half marathon. But these people take it to a whole other level.

I don't want to give too much away for those who have not seen it. I checked Amazon and you can no longer buy it there. I was able to easily get it from Netflix.

Has anyone else watched it?? I would love to know what you thought of it!

Yurbuds!!!

2010-03-18T19:46:00.000-07:00

I won a giveaway from Beth over at Shut Up and Run. I won a pair of Yurbuds!!!

Basically, I took a picture of my ear with an apple earbud in it and e-mailed it to the company. They then sent me specifically sized yurbuds to place over the earbuds.

I was VERY skeptical. I have tried various brands of earbuds and have never liked them. They never stay in and are very uncomfortable in my ear. My husband teases me that something is anatomically wrong with my ears and doesn't understand that ear buds just don't fit in my ear.

I have been using good, old-fashioned headphones and feeling a bit dorky at the gym, being the only one. Well...I am no longer the dork with the old school headphones!

The yurbuds worked!! They actually stay in my ears and are actually comfortable. I really completely doubted the yurbuds given my past fails with ear buds. I am thrilled to be able to comfortably wear them.

So...if regular ear buds don't work for you, definitely check out the site! And...this is my honest opinion. I won these, didn't pay a dime and already have them in my hot little hands...so this review is truly what I think. If they sucked, I wouldn't be afraid to tell you so. :)

Strong vs. Stupid

2010-03-15T18:41:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I had 8 miles planned. On Friday, I started getting cold symptoms, which turned into a sore throat, tight chest, runny nose and cough. I took off from running Friday and Saturday, but decided to still go running on Sunday. Sunday morning as I was trying to decide, I was debating if attempting to run was me being tough or me being stupid.

I ended up heading out for and completing the 8 miles without any real problems. The run actually seemed to help with my cold symptoms.

Does anyone else struggle with these types of decisions? To me, deciding to still run was me being mentally tough and not letting things get in the way of accomplishing my goals. To my non-runner family, attempting 8 miles while sick is just plain stupid.

Backing up a bit... I started running in middle school and got even more serious about it in high school. I had a great coach, a great team and a teenage body...I had it all going for me. Except...I was a sissy. Any time anything popped up that allowed me to get out of running for the day, I took it. I look back at my 16-year-old self and think "Why did you throw away such great opportunities??"

But...I can only work with what I have now. When I was 16, I had the body to be a runner, but not the heart. Now, I have the heart of a runner and the body of a 30-something mother of 2. However, I am determined not to be a sissy ever again. No regrets....

Need Training Help

2010-03-12T18:48:00.000-08:00

I am trying to figure out my plan for the rest of my half marathon training. I had been far ahead in my plan, but then lost a bit when I hurt my back. I ran 7 miles last weekend and am back on track.

My question is when my last long run should be before the half. The half is on May 2nd. I am planning my last long run, of 11-12 miles, 2 weeks before the race. Is this is a good plan?? Also...what should my distance be for my weekend run the weekend before the race??

Many of you are way more experienced runners than myself and any input you can give me would be greatly appreciated!!!

Gym Top 10

2010-03-03T17:35:00.000-08:00

So...I have been a gym member for about a month and am loving it and wishing I had joined sooner. I love the elliptical, the bikes, the pool, the childcare, the weights, the social aspect. But..there are quite a few things that I DON'T love about the gym. I don't know if it is just my gym in particular that has these problems, if I am being too picky, or if others deal with these same issues...would love to have you weigh in!

So...here it is...

Top 10 Things I Don't Love About the Gym
1. The SMELL!! The minute I open the door my nose is assaulted by the smell of people sweating. I understand the gym is not gonna smell like fresh-baked cookies, but the sweat smell has got to go!
2. NAKED LADIES! What is the deal with the older ladies in the locker room who walk around and sit in the hot tub completely naked! As I was leaving the locker room today I was visually assaulted by a large, and I mean large, naked butt!
3. SWEAT! I had no idea that some people sweat so much whilst working out...it literally pours off them. I run on the treadmill in fear of their sweat flinging onto me.
4. Making out with the elliptical. What is up with the people who are all hunched over the machines. I would think they should perhaps set the resistance a bit lower and be able to stand up straight.
5. Dirty Looks. Most of the people are very friendly, but there are plenty of others who are just not. Why are you looking me over as I run? Do I have toilet paper stuck to me shoe??
6. Front Desk Girls....they are just so not friendly. It is as if I should be so grateful that they have allowed me to enter their gym.
7. There is a sign near the water fountain that says "No expectorating in the water fountain". EWWW!!!
8. The guys who insist on banging the weights down on their last rep...it scares the bejesus out of me every time. And I am not impressed...it means you can't control the weight and shouldn't be lifting it.
9. I am out of ideas.....
10. THE NAKED LADIES!

Fuel for Running

2010-03-01T12:18:00.001-08:00

It has taken me a while to find both a good pre-run and mid-run snack for my long runs days. I tried the sport beans but was running in such cold weather that by the time I went to eat them they were basically frozen and I ended up at the dentist with tooth pain. I have also tried gels but just can't deal with the consistency. It seriously makes me gag.

So...here is what I eat before my long run. Peanut butter on whole wheat, mini Kit-kat and a Capri Sun. For me, it seems to be just the right amount of sugar and protein.

Midway through my run I eat one of these fruit flats. It is essentially fruit and fruit juice and each one is 70 calories. If I am out for a while, I will have another one. They fit nicely in the pocket of my jacket and don't seem to freeze on my cold runs.

I would love to know...what do y'all eat before and during your long runs?? If you are not a runner, what is your favorite healthy snack??

Where's my noodle??

2010-02-24T20:26:00.000-08:00

As I have previously mentioned, I joined a gym. I wanted to have access to more options for cross training, as well as weight machines.

Another goal was to start swimming. Especially now with a healing injury, I figured it would be a great way to workout with less stress on my joints. My gym has adult swim as well as family swim times. Last weekend I took the kiddies to the family swim. It was my first time in the pool. It is small, only 3 lanes, but warm and clean. There were only a handful of people there. The kids LOVED it!. MissyMiss wears a floaty suit and with it, can freely swim laps back and forth. She will take lessons again this summer. Bubby liked being in the water, but I had to hold him the whole time. Even when I showed him how to use a noodle to float, he wanted me to hold him. I figure it will take time for him to feel more comfortable in the water. Overall, the kids had a blast and were very tired when we got home.

Yesterday I decided that I would try to actually swim alone. When I take the kids in, I just walk around trying not to mess up my hair and make-up.

I was a bit nervous, as it had been a long time since I had actually swam. I got to the pool and there were only 2 other people there, so I got my own lane. I put on my goggles and got in...so far, so good. Then...I dove under the water and FREAKED OUT! It had been so long since I had been underwater that I think I had a little panic attack! I have no idea why. I grew up on Long Island and lived at the beach and in the pool all summer. In high school I even learned to surf....I would never have expected to freak out the way I did.

I ended up doing breast stroke without going under and then slowly going under water for more and more time. I tried a crawl stroke, but could not coordinate my arms with putting my head above water to get a breath.

I know I need a lot more practice. Does anyone have any suggestions for me as to how to figure out how to coordinate my breathing when doing a crawl stroke?? Every time I tried I ended up swallowing water. I ended up doing the stroke without putting my head under water.

I was a bit disheartened, but am going to embrace this challenge. The swimming didn't bother my back and felt like a good workout for my arms. My goal is to swim at least every other week.

After about 10 minutes I really just wanted to grab a pool noodle and float around, but I stuck it out for 25 minutes. Go me!

Sunshine Times Two!!

2010-02-22T20:04:00.000-08:00

Michelle over at Let's Roll Mama has given me the Sunshine Award...thanks Michelle!

Time to spread the sunshine to some amazing blogs! I love reading each and every one. They make me smile, inspire me, make me laugh and just make my day a happier one. I would like to give a Sunshine Award to:
Cheri at Gamma's Gab
Running Diva Mom
My Stitchalong
Life at the Zoo
Last Place Runner
Rookie on the Run
One Step at a Time
Gotta Run Now
21 Days

My back injury continues to improve, but is still not 100%. I ran 3.5 on Thursday and had 5 planned for Sunday. The weather on Sunday was SUNNY when I got to the path...what a nice change! When I looked down to get the Garmin started I saw that the last run I had on there was the 9.5 I did 4 weeks ago, before I hurt my back. It was so sad to realize that at that time I was on top of the world...way ahead in my training and feeling great. 4 weeks later I am battling a back injury and hoping to be able to run 5 on Sunday and praying I will be able to get my mileage up in time for the half in May. I won't lie, I cried a bit when I saw the 9.5 on my watch.

I just can't help it....I am passionate and emotional about running. When I first got back into running after having my daughter, it was my hobby, but not a passion. If I got injured I took time off and figured I would get back to it when I was feeling better. Now, an injury is a big set-back and every day not running makes me crabby. I don't know exactly when running went from a hobby to a passion, but I know there is no going back now.

Another Great Giveaway

2010-02-18T05:50:00.000-08:00

Zoe over at Run, Zoe, Run is having an awesome giveaway...a Champion shirt, jacket and pants. Yep, that's right, a whole outfit!!! Check it out!

Gym Mishap

2010-02-17T20:20:00.001-08:00

I finally joined a gym! I have been thinking about it for a while. I have a treadmill and some weights in the basement, but really wanted to be able to also use an elliptical, weight machines and a pool.

I went for the first time the other day. I ran 3 miles on the treadmill and my back felt great! I then ventured up to the weight room. I had planned to do some upper body. I did some pull downs, tris and bicep curls...no problem. Then I laid down to do the bench press. I had put the pin in at what I thought was a reasonable weight. I grabbed the bar, tried to push up and..NOTHING! I couldn't get the darn thing to move!

I figure I will very nonchalantly get up and switch the pin. As I look to my left side I see a guy watching me and realize he had watched the whole thing unfold. He smiles and me and I laugh, loudly, and blurt out "That wasn't what I had planned!" Yep...I'm smooth like that.

Unstoppable!

2010-02-14T20:36:00.000-08:00

First, I ran 3 miles today without any back troubles.....YEAH!!! It feels great to be out there running again. I ran very cautiously and slowly, as memories of the pain I had are still very fresh. But...I did it! I am a much happier person when I am running. When I got home I had a slight ache, so I took some Motrin and did some ice and rested and it was quickly gone.

I have blogged before about my love of Rascal Flatts' song "Unstoppable" and applied it to my running. Well....they just released an Olympic version of the song with some changed lyrics and it ROCKS!!!

Enjoy!

New Read

2010-02-11T20:31:00.000-08:00

I got my package from Amazon yesterday and these 2 books were in it....yeah for new running books! Has anyone read either?? I am trying to decide which to read first.

On the injury front, my back continues to improve every day. On Monday I tried to run very slowly on the treadmill and there was no way. The minute I started, I began to have pain. Instead I walked 30 minutes and even struggled with that. I have a disc problem with nerve root involvement, and the walking caused symptoms down my right leg.

I took off for 2 days and then walked tonight. I had no trouble walking and was able to do a full 30 minutes pain-free. I ran very slowly for the last two minutes and things felt o.k. At least I am making progress! Hopefully I will be back to full running in no time!

Giveaway!

2010-02-09T13:00:00.000-08:00

Beth over at Shut Up and Run is having an awesome giveaway courtesy of Champion. Her blog is one of my favorites!!! If you can't handle talk about running and bodily functions, you may not like her. If you, like me, find is hysterical...you will love her too!

Just Dance!

2010-02-08T12:02:00.000-08:00

I have been looking for more ways to burn calories in addition to my running. One of my facebook friends had written about getting Just Dance for the Wii and how much she loves it. So...I had to have it!!!

It is FUN!!! You hold the remote in one hand and then follow the moves on the screen. Your score is based upon how closely you are able to follow the moves. There are over 30 songs to dance to and each is rated on difficulty and effort. I tend to go with the ones with the highest effort, as they get my heart rate up the most. It is a lot of fun and a good way to burn some extra calories.

My 6 year old LOVES it too! We can compete against each other, which is fun. I am not normally a video game person, but when it is 10 degrees out and you are looking for a way to get yourself and your kids moving around, this is a great option! My mom was also doing it last time she was over and really enjoyed it too.

Funny side story...one night after the kids were in bed I was dancing with myself and having a grand ole time. I was getting down to "Eye of the Tiger" and looked over and caught my husband recording me. Before I knew it, the video was up on facebook and people are still laughing about it. :)

I hate walking!!

2010-02-05T20:30:00.000-08:00

So..my back is slowly improving. I can do my day-to-day activities with little to no discomfort. I tried walking on the treadmill yesterday and had to walk pretty slow. When I tried to up the speed I started to feel some pressure right where I had injured my back. Today Bubby and I went mall walking and my back felt pretty good. My plan is to walk a but faster tomorrow and then hopefully try running the beginning of next week. I am desperate to get back to running, but smart enough to know I need to be very careful with this.

Not being able to run is HARD. It downright sucks like a Hoover (still love that one Tanya!). I keep telling myself that I need to be patient, but ya know what, I am just not a patient person!

I started thinking more about it, and I had gotten to where I was able to run and follow my training plan easily. If I had 8 miles on the schedule, I got out there and did 8 miles. Sometimes it was pure joy and other times I schlogged through it, but I did it. I was gradually increasing my mileage without much difficulty. But...I think it is times like this, dealing with an injury, that help me to become a tougher person. THIS is challenging. THIS helps me to grow and develop. THIS is character-building. But ya know what...THIS still stinks!

Thanks everyone for all of your sweet and positive comments...they have meant the world to me!

A Set-back

2010-02-01T15:47:00.001-08:00

I have worked my butt off this month. I have my highest monthly mileage ever (73), have done lots of cross-training and lost 2 pounds. I was thrilled with my progress this month...until yesterday that is.

About 18 months ago I hurt my back. I was reaching forward when I felt something pull and ended up with awful back pain and muscle spasms. I healed from this and have been careful with my back ever since.

Yesterday I only had 5 miles planned, as it was to be my fall back week. After about 3 miles into it I felt some twinges in the right side of my lower back, the same place I had previously injured. They were not too bad, so I kept going and finished the 5. By the time I got home I could barely get out of the car, the pain and spasms were AWFUL!!

It is better today, still tight and a bit painful...but much improved over yesterday. I had to spend the day on the couch, which I despise. I am not someone who does well just sitting around.

So...right now I am just annoyed. This messes up my training for this week. I hope to do some walking in a day or 2 and then see how the running goes. I am concerned because I have no idea why this happened...I was just running along, slowly, when it started. Since I don't know what triggered it, I don't know how to prevent it in the future.

I am a physical therapist, but before I took a break to be a stay-at-home mom, I was working with kids with developmental disabilities...so orthopedics was not my area of focus. I am going to call a friend I went to school with who specializes in sports and see what he thinks. Hopefully I will be able to get around a bit more tomorrow...am trying to stay positive, but man is it hard!!

Oatmeal Blueberry Muffins

2010-01-26T19:38:00.000-08:00

It is no secret that I love to bake. But...I can't bake fattening cookies, pies and cupcakes all of the time and not turn into a blimp.

I do have some lighter recipes and this is one of my all-time favorites.

They are oatmeal blueberry muffins and here is why I love them:
1. They taste delicious! They don't taste like a 500 calorie fatty muffin, but they do taste really good!
2. My kids and husband love them, so they don't last long!
3. You can use fresh or frozen blueberries. In the summer my kids and I love to go blueberry picking. We pick a lot! I freeze some for use in the winter. You can't just throw a bunch in a bag and freeze it or you will have a mess. I spread mine onto a baking sheet in a single layer. Put baking sheet in freezer until the berries are frozen. Then I portion them into ziploc bags, with 1 cup in each bag.

Enjoy!

Oatmeal Blueberry Muffins
Ingredients:
1 ¼ cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup flour
½ cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup milk
1 egg
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup blueberries
Extra Cinnamon/sugar for sprinkling
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 425. Line muffin tin with paper cups.
2. Combine dry ingredients. In another bowl, mix wet ingredients. Mix wet into dry until just moistened. Fold in blueberries.
3. Fill cups 2/3 full with batter. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar. Bake 20-25 minutes.
Enjoy!
Makes 12-16, depending on size.

Beautiful Blogger

2010-01-23T17:35:00.000-08:00

Michelle over at Let's Roll Mama tagged me with the Beautiful Blogger Award...thanks Michelle! I am supposed to list 7 random facts about myself and then tag 7 other bloggers...here goes!

1. Sometimes I feel like I am living in the wrong decade. I love aprons, pearls, staying home with my kids,baking pies and cookies, etc. I sometimes feel like I was meant to live in the 50s. Then again...what would I do without my ipod, iPhone and facebook!
2. I have a bit of a temper. I am usually very calm and most people are shocked to hear I can have a bad temper. Once a woman gave my daughter a dirty look and long story short, I ended up yelling "Screw you lady!" to her...she just started pushing my buttons and I couldn't help myself!
3. I love the tv show Friday Night Lights. I am so embarrassed to admit it, since it is about high school students and I am 31 and looong past high school.
4. When I have had a little too much drink, which hasn't happened since before I had kids, I start spelling words instead of just saying them. My husband says that I am a nerdy drunk.
5. I don't drink alcohol anymore...I just don't like the taste of any of it. But...I LOVE Shirley Temples!! There was an open bar at my husband's company Christmas Party and I must have had 10 of them!
6. I drive a mini-van but really want a car that is not a stereotypical "mom" car...I am trying to convince my husband that a hummer would be very practical!
7. Besides my running goals for the year, I also want to be able to bake a mean pie, all from scratch.

Now to tag 7 people:
1. Fantastically Fit 40s
2. A Marathon Leap
3. Last Place Runner
4. Junk Miles
5. Schizophrenic Girl Running
6. Rookie on the Run
7. My Stitchalong

Love This Shirt! (Part 2!)

2010-01-19T13:42:00.000-08:00

I posted a pic of my new shirt for my last post. After I took the pic, I cut the tags and threw the shirt in the washing machine and then hung it to dry. When I went to take it off the hanger, I saw it from the back and saw this!!!:

Yep...on the back it says "Believe in the run"...I love it even more now!!!

Note to self: must always check the back of Nike shirts...what would I have done if it said something about basketball or soccer??

This is my new favorite running shirt! I am soooo saving it for my first half!

Love this shirt!

2010-01-14T06:54:00.000-08:00

I was out shopping the other day and saw this shirt and HAD to have it. I just love it! I am planning on wearing it for my half in May. Whenever things get tougher and I start to doubt what I am doing, I always figure that I will never look back on things and think "Wow...I regret training hard and running that half marathon...I should have spent more time sitting on my butt."

I'm baaa-aack!

2010-01-11T20:11:00.001-08:00

Wow...it has been crazy here! My "few days" break from blogging turned into almost 3 weeks! But I am back!

Since it is my first post of the year, thought I would look back at last year's running goals and if I achieved them. Here they are:

1. Log at least 500 miles.
I did it!!! My total for the year was 549.98. My on-line training log was not working the last 2 weeks of December....I had no idea I was so close to 550, or else I would have added on that final .02!

2. Run in at least 5 races.
Sad to say, this didn't happen. Those who have been reading for some time know that I had to take August and part of Sept off for medical issues. I was told "You cannot run." by the doctor and decided I had better follow orders. But...I did 3 races, PRed in one and took first in my age group in another...not too shabby.

3. Do more cross-training!Yes...I did! I had been running 3-4 days a week and that was it. Last year I started walking and/or cycling on my off days, leaving just one day of rest. I also added in more strengthening work, but still need to do more in this area.

4. Lose 15 pounds.
I lost about 13 pounds, but gained 5 back. So a total net loss of 8 pounds for the year.

Overall, not a bad year! Here are my goals for this year:
1. Complete a half marathon (I am already registered for one in May)
2. Log 575 miles
3. Lose 10 pounds (I am down .6 this week and am really working hard at this so far)
4. Do ab/arm work 3 times a week.
5. Complete 5 races

Happy New Year Everyone!!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-23T07:13:00.000-08:00

We have fanily coming into town, so I will be taking a few days off from blogging. I am hosting Christmas Day and have LOTS of cooking and cleaning to do! I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas!!!

Rainbow Cookies

2009-12-20T19:59:00.000-08:00

This will be my last Christmas cookie. This is my favorite and my sister's favorite too! I will forewarn you, they are a bit time consuming, but not difficult! And, the more often you make them the easier and quicker it gets.

Here is the recipe, and then I will give ya some photo highlights. :)

Rainbow Cookie Recipe (aka Venetians)

Ingredients:
8 ounces almond paste
1 ½ cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
4 eggs, separated
2 cups sifted flour
1 teaspoon almond extract
¼ teaspoon salt
Red food coloring
Green food coloring
Raspberry (seedless) preserves
12 ounce bag semisweet chocolate chips

Method:
1. Spray 3 disposable 13 X 9 pans with non-stick spray. Line with wax paper. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine almond paste, sugar, butter, egg yolks and almond extract. Beat 5 minutes until light and fluffy. Beat in flour and salt.
3. In separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold egg white mixture into almond mixture. Divide into 3, 1 ½ cup portions. Add red food coloring to one and green to another. (enough drops to get deep color). Spread each color into a pan.
4. Bake 15 min or until edges are golden brown. Removes cakes from pans by grabbing wax paper and set on cooling racks.
5. Once cool, stack layers in 13X9 pan lined with wax paper, with preserves in between each layer. Use just a very thin layer of preserves. Place a second 9X13 on top and weigh down with 2 5 pound bags of sugar. Refrigerate overnight.
6. The next day, remove stacked layers from pan and place on cutting board. Place chocolate in microwave safe bowl and melt chocolate. Spread melted chocolate over top of stacked cakes. Allow to set for 15 minutes. Cut into bars. Allow chocolate to fully set before storing.

First, here is a pic of the prepared pan. You spray the disposable pan with non-stick spray and then line with a piece of wax paper.

Here are the egg whites, beaten to stiff peaks. Stiff peaks means that if you lift your beater out, it should leave a peak at the top and the peak should stay standing up straight. I know it is hard to see in the pic. If the peak falls over, it is only soft peaks.

Here is one of the pans with the batter spread in it...it is a very thin layer, as the cookie will end up with 3 layers total.

Here is the pan after I took it out of the oven...see the golden brown edges??

This is after I have the stacked the 3 layers with a think layer of jam between.

Here is the pan weighted down. I only had one 5 pound bag of sugar, so I also used a bag of brown.

Here is how I melt the chocolate. I do have an official double boiler, but much prefer a glass bowl sitting on top of a pot of simmering water. Just be sure the water does not touch the bottom of the bowl.

Here are the bars with the chocolate spread on top. I also threw on some sprinkles. Other pic is the bars cut. You can cut off the edges to neaten them up before cutting into squares.

Last pic is them all pretty on a plate. They look very impressive when served!

Enjoy!!!

Really Easy Bar Cookies

2009-12-18T13:33:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a really simple, but delicious, bar cookie...here it is! These are Paula Dean's 5-Layer Bars. They only take minutes to put together, but are sooo yummy!

The picture below is them on a platter at my Tupperware party...they are on the right.

Here are the ones I made and froze for Christmas. Please excuse the upper right corner...I had to try them!

Here is the recipe!

Five-Layer Bars
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 stick salted butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 cup butterscotch chips
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup shredded coconut
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Press into the bottom of a 13X9 pan. Sprinkle pecans, chips and coconut on top. Pour sweetened condensed milk over the mixture and bake for 30 minutes.
3. Cool completely and cut into bars.

See? Super Simple!

Signed, Sealed, Delivered!

2009-12-14T12:10:00.000-08:00

I did it! I mailed in my registration for my first half marathon! I will be running the Long Island half marathon on May 2 and I am so excited! I have had the application on my desk for a week and finally worked up the courage to mail it in!

Unfortunately, I had to skip my long run yesterday...I caught an awful cold and knew there was no way my body was up for a run. Then it started raining, which confirmed that I would have to skip it. I will try a short run/walk on the treadmill tonight and see how it goes. My nose is completely stuffed up, but at least the cough seems to be gone!

Cute Christmas Sign!

2009-12-11T20:09:00.000-08:00

I have a bit of an obsession with hand painted wooden signs. I LOVE them and almost every room in my house has at least one. I recently found this blog called Farmhouse Mercantile. She makes the most wonderful wooden signs. When I saw the first one, I knew I HAD to have it! So...I ordered it right away and it is now proudly displayed in my kitchen.

Here it is, right next to my kitchen tree!

It is hard to see in my picture, but it is actually covered in glitter and has a beautiful shimmer to it! The artist, Dee, is wonderful to work with...such a sweet person!! She makes different signs each season and I cannot wait to order another!

Her blog is beautiful...I love her sense of style and design!

Linzer Cookies!!

2009-12-10T20:06:00.000-08:00

Tonight's recipe is my Dad's favorite....LINZER COOKIES!!!

When researching a recipe I found that true linzer cookies have ground almonds in the dough. There is a bakery by me that calls their sugar cookies with jam in the middle "linzer cookies", but there are no ground almonds in the dough, so technically they are just sugar cookies with jam in the middle. :)

A few notes about the recipe:
- I grind the almonds in a mini food processor. You need 1 3/4 cups ground almonds. I usually start with a big bag of sliced almonds (4 cups), to be sure I will have enough once I grind them.
- The flour is "2 cups sifted flour"...so sift the flour first and then measure it.

O.k...here is the recipe:

Linzer Cookies

Ingredients:
1 ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup sugar
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 ¾ cup ground almonds
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
Raspberry or strawberry jam
Confectioners sugar for dusting

Method:
1. Cream butter and sugar together until mixture light and fluffy.
2. Beat in flour, ½ cup at a time. Beat in almonds and cinnamon until mixture becomes a stiff dough.
3. Shape dough into a ball and refrigerate 1 hour.
4. Heat oven to 325.
5. Roll out dough to ¼ inch thick. Cut an even number of tops (with hole cut out) and bottoms. Re-roll as needed.
6. Bake 10-15 minutes until light golden brown. Remove to cooling rack, dust tops with confectioners sugar. Spread jam on bottoms and assemble.

Now...for some photo highlights!

First...this picture below is my new rolling pin I used! I got it from QVC. Here is the link for it. It is neat in that there are different disks that can be placed on the side of the rolling pin to allow the rolling pin to roll the dough to the EXACT measurement you want. See how I have the red disk on the side? That made it so my dough was rolled to exactly 1/4 inch and it worked!

This pic below shows my dough. (My pics are awful...I am so not a good photographer!) You can see the chunks of ground almonds in the dough.

Here are the cookie cutters I used. One 2 1/2 inch circle and then a smaller circle. I got them at the craft store. You can do shapes too...like a star with a smaller star in the middle...but that gets more tricky!

Here are the bottoms ready to be baked!

See that tiny spatula below?? It is PERFECT for lifting the cookies up off the mat I use to roll them out on. It is from Pampered Chef.

Here are the tops...just out of the oven and dusted with confectioners sugar.

And...the finished cookie...even prettier in person!

Enjoy!

What Motivates You??

2009-12-07T10:14:00.000-08:00

When you are doing something that is tough and challenging...what helps you keep at it??

Today I plan to register for the Long Island half marathon in May. Here is my story:

I ran in junior high and high school and was pretty good at it. Along came college...I studied like crazy, did well in my classes, gained 25 pounds (yikes) and stopped running.

6 years ago I had MissyMiss and when she turned one knew I had to get back into shape. I started running again and slowly got there. I was running 3 times a week, 3 miles each time.
Then came another pregnancy, miscarriage and surgery....gained back the weight I lost. Then came another pregnancy and I had Bubby. When he was a few months old I got back to running...again.

When Bubby was 6 months old I was carrying laundry down the stairs and fell and broke my ankle. I had to take care of a baby and 3 year old with an ankle fracture...if I can do that I can anything!

Once cleared to get back to running I really got into it. I was getting faster and running for longer. I started to have this crazy idea that maybe I could run a half marathon. I stepped up my training and started to think that it was a real possibility. Then I re-injured the ankle I had broken not even a year earlier.

(Here comes the part that I think of every time it gets tough. I thought about it a LOT yesterday when an icy path made me run 6 miles in the snow.)

I went back to the ortho office where I had gone for my original fracture because the ankle injury was still bothering me. The PA looked and it and gave me some treatment ideas. I told him that I needed to get back to running ASAP because I wanted to train for a half marathon. He looked at me and said "I don't know if that will ever happen." Oh no you didn't! I should have told him then and there that he was messing with the wrong girl. After I let the injury heal I resumed my training.

Since then I have had to take time off from running for a cardiac issue (have since been cleared by the cardiologist) and some "girl" issues this summer. My long run was up to 10 miles this summer.

Well...my long run is back to 6 miles and I WILL run a half marathon in May! Every time the going gets tough I think of that PA and his snide comment. I don't think his comment was directed at my ankle issue as much as it was directed at the fact that I was overweight. I intend to run that half marathon and let him know I did.

I want to be an example to my kids of working hard for what you want, even when it gets tough.

So...what keeps you going when the going gets tough??

More Cookie Tips...and a recipe!

2009-12-04T20:27:00.001-08:00

I meant to include this with the original baking tips post, but completely forgot.

My brother is a Marine and has done one tour in Iraq. I sent him packages regularly and when I asked him what he would like the most he said homemade cookies...which I can definitely do! My mom actually was the first to send him homemade cookies. She put them in ziploc bags and then inside a cardboard box. By the time they got to him, it was clear mice had gotten into the cookies at some point. His didn't eat them, but his friends did...they must have been really desperate for a homemade cookie. :(

I figured out a great way to send cookies in the mail. I figure if they can make it halfway around the world with how I pack them, they can probably go anywhere.

First...I freeze the cookies the way I previously mentioned. Then, I vacuum seal the frozen cookies. I don't have a fancy vacuum sealer. I was using a Reynolds Handi-vac, which I just learned was discontinued. If he deploys again, I plan to buy a fancy one. Now..if you can't vacuum seal, then just pack the frozen cookies into ziploc bags and get out as much air as possible.

Then, put the ziploc bags into disposable plastic containers. This will make it mice-proof. :)

Be careful to not mix different cookie types within the ziploc bags. I find that the flavors get a bit wacky if you do that.

Then, just pack your plastic containers into a box with some packing material, such as bubble wrap, so things don't move around too much.

Also...if the package will be going through a hot climate, don't pack messy cookies. Sturdy ones like chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, etc seem to do the best.

Once your cookies are packed get them to the post office ASAP..that way the first day in transit they are just thawing out and I figure at least one day fresher when they get to the recipient.

Now..for the recipe! It is a family favorite here that I posted last Christmas. But..I have a lot of new readers and figured I would post it again...enjoy!!!
http://runningmama-sarah.blogspot.com/2008/12/split-second-cookies.html

Also...if anyone makes any of my cookies, I would LOVE to hear how they turn out!!

Next up...Linzer cookies!!

Ricotta Cheese Cookies

2009-12-02T17:32:00.000-08:00

Here is the first cookie recipe...and it is (drum roll please.....) Ricotta cheese cookies!!

My husband's family is 100% Italian and a few years ago I wanted to make an Italian cookie and found this recipes on http://www.allrecipes.com/. It was a hit!!! It is now one of my most requested recipes and my mom's favorite!

The recipe makes a LOT of cookies...5-6 dozen!!

I am not good at taking a picture at every step in the process...that's not how I roll. :) (I usually just completely forget)

First...here is the recipe:

Ricotta Cheese Cookies
Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
1 cup butter, softened
15 ounces ricotta cheese (I use the whole milk kind)
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 large eggs
4 cups flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
Glaze:
3 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
6 tablespoons milk
Colored sugar and/or sprinkles
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. On low speed, beat butter and sugar until blended. Increase to high speed and beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
3. At medium speed, beat in ricotta, vanilla and eggs until well combined. In separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Reduce speed to low and gradually add flour mixture and beat until combined and dough forms.
4. Drop by level tablespoons, about 2 inches apart, onto parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake about 15 minutes, or until just lightly browned. Remove to cooling rack.
5. When completely cool, prepare glaze. Whisk confectioners sugar and milk until smooth. Holding cookie, dip the top into glaze and allow excess to drip off. Sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles. Allow to set on wax paper.

Now...for some pictures.

This one is of the ingredients...nothing fancy or expensive here!

Here is the dough....nice and light and fluffy. See my little scooper?? It is PERFECT for this recipe. It is just the right amount and I can crank out the cookies in no time!

This one is the cookies just out of the oven...they should be just beginning to look golden brown.

Here is the finished product! After I dip the tops in the glaze, I put them on cooling racks so the excess can drip off. This way you don't get a soggy bottom. I put wax paper under the cooling rack to catch the glaze, so my counter tops stay clean.

These cookies are buttery and moist and light and just delicious! I have never met someone who has not liked them and the kids love them too! You can change up the sprinkles for the season. I just did them for a fall party and used orange, yellow and green colored sugar.

Enjoy!!

Cookie Know-How

2009-11-30T20:31:00.000-08:00

I thought that before I started posting some recipes, that I would go through Christmas baking tips!

First of all, in order to make 15 different kinds, one must use the bake and freeze method. I start about 2 weeks before Thanksgiving and when I defrost the cookies at Christmas, they still taste very fresh!

Here is my best friend during cookie season:

A few years ago when my baking really took off, I quickly realized that my normal freezer didn't have nearly enough room. So...we got this one at Sam's Club. It is very basic, but gets the job done!

Here she is, with what I have made so far:

The containers on the left side are Rubbermaid Takealongs. I usually get them at Wal-Mart and they work great for stacking in the freezer. Whatever containers you use, just be sure they have a good seal.

Here is one with the 5 Layer bars I just made:

What I do is as I make a batch of cookies, I layer them in the container with wax paper between the layers. They go right in the freezer before they can get eaten. :) When I want to make up a tin, the night before I want to deliver it, I open each of the containers and take out 1-2 of each cookie. I put that bunch in a big tupperware on the counter to thaw. The next day the cookies are ready to go! I pack them in a tin, tie a ribbon around the tin, and they are ready to deliver!! I deliver tins to neighbors, family, my husband's work, etc.

As far as the baking goes, I have a very basic oven, nothing fancy. I would love a big fancy one, but well....that ain't gonna happen! :) Here she is:

See? Nothing fancy. It does have a convection feature that I use for baking cookies which helps them to bake evenly, eliminating the need to rotate the baking sheet halfway through.

Here are some of my baking tips:
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. The cookies will come right off without any sticking and your sheets will be a cinch to clean.
- Use light-colored baking sheets. The darker ones will produce cookies that are too dark.
- No need for expensive baking sheets. I got great ones for $10 each at Home Goods. Just be sure they are big enough and light-colored.
- Check your cookies a few minutes before the time called for, especially the first batch. Different ovens can cook VERY differently. Cookies that take 10 min in my oven may only take 8 in yours. Nothin' worse than a burnt cookie!
- Buy a cheap oven thermometer and check your oven temp. You may be surprised that although your oven may be set to 350, it may actually be 375, or 325...always good to know!
- You must taste at least one cookie from every batch...it is very necessary. ;)
- I use a small scooper for drop cookies. It just makes life easier. I got mine at Wal-Mart.
- Stand mixers are not a necessity, but make life easier.

O.k...please let me know if there are any questions about my technique.

Next up...recipes! Some of these cookies are so good they'll make ya want to smack your mama!

Some updates!

2009-11-24T11:50:00.000-08:00

A few updates:

1. I am so excited that y'all want to see some good cookie recipes! A few people also asked about how I coordinate my baking and freezing. My next post will be about baking tips and techniques and then I will bring on the recipes!

2. I have run twice in my new shoes and LOVE them. I got Pearl Izumi Syncro Pace III at Road Runner and am in love, completely in love. They fit like a glove. Not cheap, but well worth it.

3. I finished this cute wall hanging just in time to put him up for the fall. He is now hanging in my foyer. :)

4. We got a piano!!!! I played for years when I was younger and have really missed it. I found a good used one and it was delivered last week. I am loving it! I have picked up playing again much quicker than I thought. I got a book with some Christmas tunes and have been playing them everyday. MissyMiss is also VERY interested in the piano, so I got her a beginner book and started giving her lessons. She is doing well and very enthusiastic about learning.

That is all for now. Next up....COOKIES!!!!

Sick and Tired...

2009-11-17T10:45:00.000-08:00

Things here have been rough lately...lots of sickness. There has been a bug going around my daughter's school. She was sick 2 weeks ago, then Bubby was sick last week. Both had a really high fever with it and Bubby is still dealing with the cough. Neither was tested, but it was probably h1n1. I managed to not get the fever, but have had an awful cough, which was been causing me trouble with my asthma, so no running for me this past week. I went for a walk yesterday and did o.k.

So..not much to report on this front. Once I feel like I am breathing normally again I will try back to running. I am missing it. I just got some new running shoes and have really been wanting to try them out...hopefully in a few days...

In happy news, I start my Christmas baking this week! Last year I baked and froze over 12 different kinds of cookies! Then just before Christmas I deliver tins of assorted cookies to neighbors, family, husband's work, etc. I am hoping to do 13 kinds this year and am thinking of posting some of my favorite recipes. Is this something y'all would be interested in??

Superstitious

2009-11-08T18:55:00.000-08:00

Anyone else out there superstitious?

I am usually not. But...2 weeks ago before my long run I ate a half of a peanut butter sandwich, a mini kit-kat bar and drank a Capri Sun juice pouch. (Can you tell I have kids?) Anyhow...I did 6 miles that day and felt great...like I was finally getting my mojo back.

Last weekend I had 6.5 planned. I had my same pre-run food as the previous week and had another great run.

Today I ate the same again. This time I had to go through my son's orange pumpkin full of Halloween candy to find a mini kit-kat, but I found one. And...despite being overdressed and a malfunctioning Garmin, I had another great run!

So...until it stops working, I am sticking with it as my pre-run snack. I even picked up a bag of mini kit-kats from Target tonight so I wouldn't have to steal from my kids. :)

Anyone else superstitious??

A cute giveaway

2009-10-31T19:12:00.001-07:00

My husband's cousin is a fellow crafter! She does some quilting, but mostly cross stitch. I was recently at her house and her work is just beautiful! She is giving away an adorable ornament on her blog to celebrate her 100th post...check it out here!

Trick or treat, smell my feet....

2009-10-30T20:38:00.000-07:00

That song has been in my head all day. Missymiss picked it up on the playground and has been singing it and now I have been singing it all day too. It is annoying, but I guess that are much worse things that can be learned on the playground...

The kids are so ready for tomorrow. We had a trial run this week. My favorite local grocery store did trick-or-treating through the store one evening this past week and it was such fun! At the entrance to the store we got empty goodie bags and a map of the store noting the location of each spot where treats were given out. Some of the departments gave out department-specific items, such as an apple at produce, cookie at the bakery, etc. Others gave out good old-fashioned candy.

The kids loved it. This year MissyMiss is going as a hula dancer and Bubby is Thomas the Tank Engine. Hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween!!

Fall Fun

2009-10-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

Fall is in full swing here in NY and the kids are having a blast. We had a very wooded yard, so we get TONS of leaves. The kids love to rake the leaves into a pile and then jump in it. Here are some good leaf jumping shots:

Bubby has really gotten into helping Daddy with yard work. He even got to help push the mower, which he talked about for days. See those big paper bags? We have to put the leaves in them and set them out at the curb for pick-up. To give you an idea of just how many leaves we get, we have filled 30 bags so far and there are still a lot of leaves on the trees...yikes!

Last week we got snow! Just under an inch...just enough to get the kids excited. This week it warmed back up and was close to 70 today...Bubby and I had a picnic lunch at the park. It was a gorgeous day. :)

A Great Weekend

2009-10-17T19:44:00.000-07:00

I have fallen a bit behind in my blogging..things have just been hectic here.

First of all...thank you so very much to all of your wonderful people who left me such positive comments on my last post. I was feeling the love and really appreciated it. I am sticking with things and toughing it out...and starting to see an improvement. :)

Last weekend my aunt got married, so we traveled down to Long Island for the wedding. I grew up on LI, but we now live in upstate NY. It was great to get back for a visit. The wedding was lots of fun. My daughter was the flower girl and did such a wonderful job!

Here is a great pic of me, hubby and kids at the wedding.

Whenever we are in NYC/LI there are some foods that we must get at some point during our visit...including a slice of pizza, a bagel with schmear and italian cookies/pastries. We were able to get all three this trip!

We went to the pizza place that I grew up going to. It was so strange to sit and eat a slice of pizza with my kids at the place that I sat and ate a slice at as a kid.

It was a fun and delicious weekend!!!

Crawling Back up the Hill

2009-10-08T12:05:00.000-07:00

To recap, I had to take off from all exercise for August due to medical issues. Early in September, I was finally cleared to run again. My first run back was amazing....I was so happy to be out there again. Then reality hit.

Since then, I feel like I have been climbing back up a hill. It has taken me a while to feel like I am back in the groove again. My mileage hasn't been great, my runs have been slow (for the most part) and my body still feels a little out of whack. Before my forced running hiatus I was at the top of my game...I had just gotten a new PR in a 5K and was feeling awesome. Now...not so much.

But, I keep telling myself that I just need to keep it up and in time I will get back to where I was. But..I am not a patient person and am struggling a bit with it. My long run this past weekend was 5 miles, a far cry from the 10.5 I had been up to.

Here is what I figure. It is easy to cruise along, feeling great and having great workouts. It is a whole other ball game to feel like you have been pushed down a hill and are clawing your way back up to the top.

I was running along listening to my iPod the other day when Lonestar's "Mountain" came on and I completely identified with the lyrics.

There are times in life when you gotta crawl,
Lose your grip, trip an' fall
When you can't lean on no-one else:
That's when you find yourself
I've been around an' I've noticed that,
Walkin's easier when the road is flat
Them danged ol' heels'll get you every time
Yeah, the good Lord gave us mountains,
So we could learn how to climb

This world ain't fair,
It can knock you on your butt
You can just lie there, Or you can get back up
You gotta get back up

I'm gonna get back up...

Feeling Like a Kid Again

2009-09-28T20:57:00.000-07:00

This evening I went for my longest run since having to take a month off (August) from running. I headed to a local path with a plan of doing 4 miles.

The weather was perfect for an evening run. It has rained almost all day long, but by the time I left the sun was setting and the clouds were clearing and the temp was just around 60.

The path I run is 2 miles out and 2 miles back. I ran the first half at 10 - 10:30 min/mile pace. Not fast, but not absurdly slow. At the turn around point I picked it up a bit. Since I have been back to running, my runs have been slow and fairly short, about 3 miles. I have been taking it easy, as to allow my body to readjust to running without risking injury.

Tonight I was feeling the need for speed. I had had enough slow and easy runs and wanted to feel some tightness in my chest and jelly in my legs. I have no idea how fast I ran the last 2 miles because my Garmin died at the 2 mile mark...my own fault for not charging it.

But...tonight's run was just the perfect run. Perfect weather, felt great. By the last half mile I felt like a kid again...running just because it is fun. Running because I can again. A month of no running was misery and easing back into it was smart, but no fun. As I finished my run....a little out of breath, a little shaky in the legs and VERY sweaty, I felt like I was 10 years old again....and it felt awesome.

My Girl in The Girly Skirt

2009-09-23T18:38:00.000-07:00

I recently finished an adorable twirly skirt for MissyMiss. The pattern is called "The Girly Skirt" and it is by Pink Fig Patterns.

I don't do much in the way of garments, but was able to easily follow the pattern and the skirt turned out really cute. I matched it up with a red tee from Wal-Mart and it made for one cute outfit.

Here she is modeling it. Bubby insisted on being in the pictures too. The funniest part is that I later noticed that he was wearing my mom's fuzzy blue slippers! I can't wait to pull out these pictures when he is 16. Between this one and the one of him wearing one of MissyMiss's nightgowns, tap shoes and an Easter bonnet...I am all set. :)

Under Construction

2009-09-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much to everyone who gave me suggestions as to how to improve the look of my blog. I will be working on it for the next few days...these things truly take me forever!

On another note, fall has arrived here in upstate NY and it is gorgeous! The temps have been down into the low 40s at night, so waiting at the bus stop in the morning is chilly! But...it will get up to 70 today, which is just perfect for playing outside.

I had a lovely 3 mile run this morning..it was cool and breezy and the leaves were falling from the trees...this is my favorite time of the year. :)

A few questions....

2009-09-15T20:00:00.000-07:00

O.k...I need a little help here. Any input would be VERY appreciated.

Keep in mind that I am a techno-idiot. When my grandfather was in his 80s he decided he wanted to get a computer and get on-line. My mom got him one and was helping him to figure it out. During the middle of his tutorial about the Internet, he turned to her and asked "Who is on the other end of this?" He thought that there was another person on the other end....gotta love him. I am not much better than that. :)

Anyhow...here is my first question....
When I set-up my blog, I picked one of the standard blogger templates. It is very boring and not at all me. I visit other people's blogs and am amazed at how cute and personal the background, font, etc is. How do I do this??? I honestly have no idea where to even begin.

Also....my blog is a lot of running...but also my quilting, sewing, baking, family, kids, etc. Is anyone turned off by my lack of focus? Do you runners click right off when I show pictures of sewing projects? Do you non-runners click right off when I talk about my running? Anyone at all interested in my baking? I am trying to figure out what to do with this blog...should I continue on or choose one focus??

I would love to hear from y'all!!!

A Long Time Coming

2009-09-10T19:10:00.000-07:00

Today was a big day for me. I have not been able to run for the last 4 and a half weeks. (Long story...don't wanna go there) I also had to pull out of a half-marathon that I was totally ready and excited for.

Enough of the bad...the good news is I was cleared yesterday for running and had a glorious 3 mile run today!!!

This morning I was grinning from ear to ear as I put on my running clothes for the first time in over a month! My husband walked in and asked why I was smiling so big and then realized that I was getting ready for a run.

It was a beautiful, cool and crisp morning with a gorgeous blue sky...perfect for a run. I went to my usual path and had a great run. I took it very easy, but pushed a little more for the last mile. My legs have been craving that "tired after a great run" feeling. I was thrilled that I was able to easily complete the 3 miles, even after a month off. I don't think that I lost nearly as much as I feared I would.

So...I was down in the dumps and just plain mad about the 4 weeks off and the missed half marathon, but I am back!

I totally heart the band Rascal Flatts and was reminded to the lyrics of one of their songs when I was out running this morning:

You find your faith has been lost and shaken
You take back what's been taken
Get on your knees and dig down deep
You can do what you think is impossible
Keep on believing, don't give in
It'll come and make you whole again
It always will, it always does

(This song is actually talking about love, but I totally relate it to running...one of my many loves.)

Just one more time...

2009-09-09T09:55:00.000-07:00

My little MissyMiss started first grade today...where did those 6 years go?? Bubby starts preschool next week and then I will have 5 hours a week all to myself...what ever will I do?

Last week the weather here was gorgeous...sunny and not too hot and perfect for being outside. We tried to fit in "Just one more"....park, ice cream, etc.

One of our favorite restaurants is part of a family farm. They have delicious food and make their own bread...so the sandwiches there are unbelievable. The kids and I have been there to pick strawberries and blueberries and also several times for lunch. We made it back there one more time last week.

After lunch we go walk to see the animals and feed the goats.

It was not long before we were joined by this handsome fellow. His name is Braeburn. The farm is known for its apples, so the dogs are named after apple varieties.

He walked up to us and dropped his ball at my daughter's feet. The 2 then played fetch for the next 20 minutes, until Braeburn was worn out. My kids know and love him...when we eat on the porch at the farm he likes to sit by our table and wait for the kids to slip him some food.

Here are the kids and the donkey. They love to go see the animals.

After playing fetch for a while, Braeburn cooled himself down in the tub. :)

While MissyMiss played fetch, Bubby was content to fill his shoes with "hay"....boys.

Smores on a hot night...

2009-09-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

We decided to buy a fire pit for the backyard. Making smores with a gas grill just feels so wrong. I can now say that making smores with a fire pit feels very right. :)

Luckily, both of my kids are afraid of fire and VERY careful around it. We broke it in the other night and had such fun.

Here is MissyMiss roasting her marshmallow. We bought long forks in the camping section at Target, so the kids don't have to get too close to the fire.

Bubby loves to roast the marshmallows, but does not like to eat them. He ends up eating a graham cracker and chocolate sandwich.

A fun time was had by all. :)

The Purse

2009-08-29T19:34:00.000-07:00

So...after reading all of the comments on my last post, I realized that I was not clear about the outcome of the bet with my husband. Since I rode the ride, I did in fact get the bag! After we finished up at the park we went out to dinner and then over to the outlets. My wonderful hubby stayed in the cars with the kids (Bubby was sleeping) and I ran into Coach and picked out my bag. Here she is, in all of her glory:

I think it was worth it. :)

Our Sweet Vacation

2009-08-18T13:04:00.000-07:00

You all guessed right...we went to Hershey Park! We were there in 2005 and 2007, so we figured it was time to head back. We went for 3 days and had such fun! It seems that the older the kids get, the more we are able to do.

We all LOVED Chocolate World....the factory tour ride is FREE and you get FREE chocolate at the end...what's not to love?? Here are the kids pretending they are factory workers:

Of course, while we were there...I had to stop at the Hershey outlets!!

We stayed at the Hershey Lodge...which is wonderful. They have character visits in the lobby and my kids were thrilled to see the peanut butter cup. The Lodge is a bit pricey...but we only stayed 2 nights and it is our only vacation this year...so that is how I justified it. :)

Our first night there we ordered room service! What fun! We got mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, cheesecake and a big chocolate chip cookie. The tray arrived with cloth napkins and a little vase with a flower...Bubby took one look at it and said "That is gorgeous."...very true.

O.k...there is a story for this ride. My wonderful hubby knows I don't like heights. We were standing next to this ride while the kids rode a kiddie ride and hubby bet me some money that I wouldn't ride it. Normally I would have turned him down....but I knew that there was a Coach outlet right next door and then money would let me get a purse...guilt free. So...I got on the ride, put my head back and closed my eyes. I mentally went to my "happy place"...the Coach outlet. Hubby, kids and my mom were shocked I did it...but one should never doubt what a girl might do when near a Coach outlet!

Both kids LOVED the Frog Hopper. Bubby laughed the whole time, which made MissyMiss laugh the whole time...they rode it 3 times. I got on it once with them...I did not laugh. I was happy to have an empty stomach.

Every time we go I take a pic of the kids by the height chart used to classify what rides they can and cannot ride. This year Bubby was a Hershey Kiss and MissyMiss was a peanut butter cup. It is fun to look at previous years height pics. MissyMiss went for the first time when she was 2 and only a wee-little Hershey miniature.

Well...there you have our family vacation. I am happy to report I actually lost a few ounces on vacation. I replaced meals with chocolate..not very healthy, but very delicious!

Where in the world is Running Mama?

2009-08-12T20:59:00.000-07:00

I have been so behind on my blogging..it has just been a crazy summer here.

We took a quick family trip 2 weeks ago and I will be posting some of my favorite pics. I went here as a child and now have been enjoying taking my own kids. It is a few hours away from me and a very delicious place to me.

Here is a pic I took from the car when we first got to town. (Sorry for the awful quality)

So...who can guess where in the world Running Mama is???

Race Report

2009-08-04T20:20:00.000-07:00

So, here is my race report from 2 weekends ago. (I have a lot of catching up to do on this blog...between a vacation and a houseguest, things have been busy here!!)

I ran this race last year and placed 3rd in my age group, which was a complete shock. So...I was looking forward to running it again.

The race was about 45 min away, so I had to be out the door by 7:45...early for this night owl. I got to the race, grabbed my number and did my normal walking warm-up.

I noticed that there were a lot of 20-somethings and 40-somethings, but once again the 30-somethings were lacking in number....so I was hopeful to maybe place again.

I lined up at the starting line and noticed a girl wearing regular workout clothes...not fancy running gear. Normally I root for these girls...I was there not too long ago. I have also gotten my butt kicked by girls in cotton. But...here is the thing...her shorts were white...and short...and see-through and she was obviously wearing a thong!! I couldn't help but notice...I think that everyone noticed, I was determined, then and there, that no matter what my time was, I would not be beaten by thong girl...no way, no how. There was no way she would finish ahead of me and my mom-panties.

The gun went off and I started out fast...too fast! I ran the whole first mile with a 7-year-old about 20 feet in front of me. There was a man running beside me that reminded me of one of my running forum buddies (shout out to Mike!). We were joking about how much it hurt to be behind such a little guy.

I caught up to the little guy around mile 2 and ran that mile with him. I was starting to feel the heat and humidity and struggling to keep up with my target pace of 8:45.

By 2.5 I was hurting...I kept telling myself "Go big or go home". I had passed the little guy and also some girls that looked to be in my age group. I knew that if I slowed down the girls would pass me and kill my chances of a medal. It was an out and back course, so I knew that the girls in front of me looked to be older or younger.

I finished with a time of 27:02 and came in first in my age group...I was psyched! The 7-year-old finished just 4 seconds behind me and 3 girls in my age group finished within a minute of me, so it is a good thing that I maintained my pace at the end.

I came home and put on my medal and my kids were so thrilled with it. It was a great race!

The other good news....thong girl didn't stand a chance. I beat her from the start. :)

Some updates...

2009-07-26T19:24:00.001-07:00

First of all, thank you so much to everyone for all of the kind thoughts and good suggestions regarding the death of my daughter's hamster. Hampy was buried in our backyard. My daughter wanted a stone to mark the grave, so she chose an angel garden statue. She was really sad for a few days, but is doing much better now. Thanks again to everyone for your sweet comments.

I had another 5K today and I will get to posting a race report at some point. Things are crazy here for the next few days. A few things I shall mention now:

- I saw a girl at the starting line wearing teeny, tiny white see-through shorts and a thong underneath. I was determined that, if nothing else, I must beat "thong girl"...I did.

- Running in the heat and humidity just downright stinks.

- I came close to a PR, but missed by about 10 seconds. But...I placed first in my age group. Here is the proof:

I have no idea why MissyMiss isn't smiling in this pic. She was thrilled for me. She even made me a pretend cake and sang "Happy Medal Day" to me. :)

We have been busy! The kids and I went blueberry picking this week and had a great time! The blueberries were great this year! As soon as we got home we made Blueberry cobbler. It is such an easy and healthy recipe...I promise I will post it as soon as things settle down.

Lastly, I had a FUN trip to the quilt shop last weekend and have LOTS of projects planned. I just finished a twirly skirt for MissyMiss and will post a pic as soon as I get one of her wearing it. Next on my list is a wall hanging for the dining room and then starting some Christmas stuff.

Definitely lastly, I was in Home Goods (my fav!) the other day and they are already starting to put out fall decor....my heart skipped a beat when I saw it! Fall is my favorite season! But...even better....my favorite holiday is Christmas and my local radio station did Christmas in July this weeked. So...they played Christmas songs all weekend! Any other Christmas freaks out there?

R.I.P. Hampy

2009-07-21T21:47:00.000-07:00

It has been a sad day here. My daughter's beloved hamster, "Hampy", had died. She is so very heartbroken. She loved that hamster and took such good care of it. It is our first experience with a pet dying and it is just so sad. We will bury Hampy in the yard and MissyMiss has requested that we get a special stone or statue to place on the spot so she will know where it is. Anyone have any good tips for helping a 6 year old deal with losing a pet?

Give Me the Simple Life

2009-07-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

Some find it pleasant dining on pheasant.

Those things roll off my knife;

Just serve me tomatoes; and mashed potatoes;

Give me the simple life.

Now that school is out we have been able to slow down a bit around here. I purposely did not schedule much for this summer...some swim lessons, a 3 day vacation, and a 1 week morning camp for MissyMiss...that is about it. It has given us a great chance to enjoy the simple things in life, and the kids and myself are loving it.

Here are some of my favorite simple things:

- a good book and the porch rocking chair

- meatloaf and mashed potatoes

- the slip-and-slide on the front lawn

- a long walk on a breezy night

- the swings at the park

- soft serve ice cream

- a long run on a gorgeous day

- a beautiful drive to my favorite quilt shop

- garden fresh tomatoes

- backyard bonfires

- hometown parades

- strawberry picking

- hiking

- watching the kids splash in the pool

- hot dogs on the grill

- smores

We are all about the simple life over here. What are your favorite simple things?

My friend

2009-07-08T17:31:00.000-07:00

Whenever I get the chance, I run at a local paved rail trail. It usually has a decent crowd that helps to keep things interesting. I also walk, bike and rollerblade there, as well as take the kiddos to the park along the path. I am there often.

For the longest time, there has been a man who walks there often. I would guess him to be about 70ish. He is the nicest man and always gives me a little salute when I pass, as well as a big smile. He is there so often that I just expect to see him. He is even there in bad weather. I love to see him there...it is just comforting to me for some reason.

Well..for the last few months I have not seen him and I have been so worried about him. Since I know nothing about him, not even his name, there was no way for me to find out if he was o.k. It has been troubling me a lot and on my mind when I am at the path.

Today I was at one end of the trail where I turn around and I looked at the cars in the parking lot and THERE HE WAS! He was just getting into his car. He must have been just in front of me. I slowed down and waited for him to look up and when he did gave him a big wave...I was thrilled to see him. It truly just made my day! He was too far away for me to talk to him, but at least I know that he is o.k. and back to walking. I can now rest easy that my "rail trail friend" is back.

Exercising Your Mind

2009-07-02T20:42:00.000-07:00

So...while physical fitness is important to me...so is mental fitness. :)

I LOVE games, puzzles, etc. (What can I say...I have always been like this. Once a nerd, always a nerd...) I found this one and our whole family is just loving it!

There is a junior edition and a regular edition...we have the junior. The whole point of the game is to get the escape car, which in this case is the ice cream truck, out of the traffic jam by only moving the cars forward and backward. There are 40 different challenge cards that range from beginner to expert.

I bought it for MissyMiss, but hubby and I played with it first. It was such fun! The beginner cards were way too easy, but the expert ones were really tough!!! I am naturally a really competitive person and decided it would be fun to time each other and see who could complete a given card first...hubby was not into this.

We finally let MissyMiss have a try and she also loves it. She calls it "my thinking game". I was amazed to watch her breeze through the beginner and intermediate cards. She could even complete the advanced levels by herself.

I highly recommend this game...it is excellent for keeping your mind sharp. :)

Happy Birthday Bubby!

2009-06-29T20:51:00.000-07:00

Bubby just celebrated his 3rd birthday! It is just amazing how times flies.

After Father's/Mother's Day, MissyMiss asked if the parents could make the kids breakfast in bed on their birthday. Sounded like a good idea to me! So...on Bubby's birthday Daddy and MissyMiss made him breakfast in bed....chocolate milk, Cheerios and a Rice Krispie treat. He was beyond thrilled. MissyMiss also put the 2 small presents she had chosen for him on his tray. After he ate and opened his gifts, he said "My birthday all done!" It was so cute...he thought that was it. We had a wonderful party for him that afternoon and he had a ball!

Here are my 2 kiddos with his breakfast in bed:

Not much new to report with running. I am doing well with my running/biking/walking workouts. I am also getting back to my weights, which is a good thing.

Back in January I set a goal for myself of running at least 500 miles this year. I am at the midway point right now and I am at 320...well ahead of schedule. So far, so good...

Small Projects

2009-06-22T11:22:00.001-07:00

This blog started out being about all of my hobbies...but has quickly turned into a running blog since running is where I am spending my free time. :)

But...I have finished some small projects lately and thought I would share them.

Here are the cutest crayon rolls! Rachel over at P.S. I Quilt posted a tutorial for it and it sewed up quickly. I made one for each kiddo. They look like this when they are rolled up.

Once you unroll it, there is a spot for each crayon. My kids love these and they are perfect while waiting for food in a restaurant.

I intended this little bag to be for my sister, but since I made a few mistakes I gave it to MissyMiss instead. She never notices the mistakes and is currently using it for her jewelry.

I just finished this tote bag last night and am so happy with how it turn out. Amanda over at Crazy Mom quilts did the tutorial and the directions were a breeze to follow. I used a Moda Shangri-La charm pack.

I made this place mat and a matching one, for two tables in our playroom. The tables have gotten fairly abused, so I thought they would be cute to cover all of the scratches and dents.

I made this wall hanging for the entryway of my house. My plan is to make some seasonal wall hangings that are the same size so that I can switch them out according to the season/holiday.

Get some support!

2009-06-17T13:02:00.001-07:00

I shall forewarn the men....this post may not interest you...or maybe it will. :)

I was out on Sunday for my long run. I had planned on doing 10.5 and had no problems completing it. The first 2 miles were fairly interesting...here is what happened:

Just as I stepped out onto the path a woman ran by me. Immediately my eyes were drawn to her chest. I am not a perv....but the woman had no sports bra on! And, she was fairly well-endowed. Being a well-endowed chick myself, I know the struggles of finding a supportive sports bra. This woman was just wearing a regular bra and the amount of bounce going on was unbelievable. It looked liked her two buddies were having a fight! I also thought it looked fairly painful!

The woman turned around just behind me and headed out in the same direction as myself. She passed me, since I was walking for my warm-up. I soon started running myself and since we were running at the same pace, I ran about 25 ft behind her for the first 2 miles. It made me feel better to see that everyone who passed her going the other way also stared at her chest...it was just that bad.

So...here is what I wonder....does she not own a sports bra? Were all of her sports bras in the wash? Does she enjoy the attention? I have no idea. She ran at least 5 miles, so it is not like she was only out for a mile or so.

I would never run without a sports bra. When we first got Dance Revolution for the Wii I had to run upstairs and put one on before I proceeded to bounce around. I have even taken a dirty one out of the laundry if I had none clean...gross I know, but it would be just painful to run without one.

So...what do y'all think?? Am I just crazy about this? Will anyone out there make me feel better by also admitting to wearing a dirty sports bar as a last resort??

My homemade medal (and race report!)

2009-06-08T09:47:00.000-07:00

I ran a local 5K race this past Saturday and it was a great race!

I got there about 30 minutes before the start....got my packet, put on my number, visited the bathroom and warmed up a bit. It was a very small race...I would guess only about 100 runners. It was held at the rail trail path where I normally run, which is perfectly FLAT!

The race started and I was a bit slow at the start because it was a narrow path and it was a bit crowded. I was quickly able to pick up my speed. My previous PR was 28:04 and my goal was to just break 28. I had planned on a pace of 8:45-9:00.

I was able to keep a great steady pace for the whole race, due to the flat course. At my last race I was with one woman most of the race, but passed her in the end. I saw this same woman at the starting line today and she came over and said "Hey there! What is our goal for today?" I love how friendly most runners are. She started a little ahead of me and was ahead most of the race. I caught up to her at about the 2.5 mile mark. She asked me how we were doing, I told her our time and pace, wished her luck and passed her.

At about 2.9 miles I could see the finish and was able to pick up my pace a little and finish strong. My time was 26:52!!!! I am just thrilled with this! I waited for my racing friend to finish, gave her a high five and we discussed what races we were doing next.

I had to leave right away so that I could grab a cake and bouquet for my daughter's dance recital and be home for my hubby to go for a ride.

A few days before the race my hubby had bought MissyMiss a yellow "Live Strong" bracelet. It was way too big, so she gave it to me and we decided it would be my lucky bracelet for racing. Once I got to the car I called home to tell her how well I had done and she was sure it must have been the bracelet.

When I got home I was greeted by my kiddies at the door, who had made me "medals" out of pipe cleaners and construction paper...I will treasure them forever.

Giving Myself Credit

2009-05-30T18:48:00.000-07:00

Today I was out working in the garden with MissyMiss when a woman who lives a few blocks over walked by. She introduced herself and we started chatting. I noticed she was wearing a RoadRunner shirt, so I asked her if she was a runner. She answered that she was a walker and then asked me if I was a runner (I had just finished a 10-mile run a couple of hours earlier and was still wearing my running outfit).

Can you guess what my response to "Are you a runner?" was? I said "I try to be."

What!?!?!?! Why did I say that? I had just finished an AWESOME 10 mile run. Why do I still struggle with saying that I am a runner. After she left I was kicking myself for doing that, again. Why didn't I say "Yep, I am a runner.". Ugh! I really don't know why I don't give myself the credit I should. Anyone else have this problem???

On an unrelated note, I really enjoyed reading about everyone's hobbies. I was surprised by how many of the chickies both run and sew. :)

On another unrelated note, I watched Paul Blart: Mall Cop last night....it was kinda stupid, a bit predictable, but totally LMAO. If you are in need of a good laugh, but don't want to think too much..watch it. :)

Hobbies

2009-05-27T20:00:00.001-07:00

When I was first married and before kids, I had no real hobbies. I cringe when I think about it. I worked and watched a lot of t.v. I did enjoy shopping and worked out at the gym sometimes, but that was pretty much it. I had so much time and didn't do too much with it. Hubby used to always say "You need a hobby".

Now...I have 2 young kids and more hobbies than I have time for. Right now, running is my main "hobby". I don't really consider it a hobby, but can't think of a better word. I am passionate about running. I schedule my days around my runs. My 2 year old sees me grab my shoes and says "Mama go for a run". I love it and can't imagine not running.

As far as my hobbies, I also love to bake. I dream of one day opening up my own coffee shop/bakery. I love to bake and love to talk to people...it would be perfect. I have already dreamed up the decor in my head....and it would be kid-friendly.

I also love to sew and quilt. The more serious I get about my running, the less time I have for it....but I sit down at my sewing machine as often as I can. Right now I am working on an apron...I also collect aprons. :)

The good thing about my hobbies is that I can get my kids involved. Bubby loves to ride in the jogger and go for a run with me. Tonight MissyMiss rode her bike alongside and made the whole 3 miles...a first for her! Both kids also love to help bake. Also, I just ordered some fabric and am going to help MissyMissy make her doll a quilt. I am so lucky that my kids are so interested in the things that I love to do.

So...what are all of your hobbies???

What's in a name?

2009-05-23T11:03:00.000-07:00

First of all, THANK YOU to everyone who left comments on my last post...reading your comments just make my day! It is good to know that I am not alone in my waving. :)

On my garage sale post, Winnston had noticed my table clothes. This is our 4th year doing the garage sale and I have learned some tricks to increase profits. I think that the tableclothes just class it up a bit...nothing says classy quite like plastic tablecloths zip-tied to the legs of the table. We made more this year than ever before. :)

Today I did 9.5 miles in 80-degree heat. I am not a fan of running in the heat. Last weekend it was in the 50s for my long run...I much prefer it that way. I used my hydration belt for the first time and LOVED it.

As I was running I kept thinking about what today's post would be about. It seemed to change with each mile of the run. Today's run was TOUGH for me...mentally. I just kept telling myself that it didn't matter how long it took or how many walk breaks I took (I usually don't take any)...I just needed to log the miles. That thinking got me through. It was not a pretty run...but I did it.

Here are some of the different blog titles that I thought of today...in chronological order as far as at what point in my run I thought of them....

1. I totally heart running.
2. I heart my hydration belt.
3. Baby, it's hot outside!
4. Red Gatorade rules!
5. Guys with nice abs rock!
6. Cocky attitudes cancel out nice abs
7. Jillian Michaels kicked my a$$ 2 days ago and it still hurts
8. Running sucks
9. Tight hydration belts may induce vomitting (No...I didn't...but I came close. Once I loosened my belt it was all good)
10. Running sucks
11. "Pain in temporary. It may a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever."- Lance Armstrong

I think I'll stick with the last one. I wouldn't risk an injury, but I knew that if I stopped early because I was tired that I would regret it all weekend.

To wave or not to wave?

2009-05-19T20:31:00.000-07:00

So....this has been bothering me lately. I run on a paved path that can get crowded at times. I actually enjoy running when there are other people around, more so than in the winter when I was out there with only a few other brave souls. I wave and/or say hello to most people I pass coming the other direction, if they look up at me.

But...there are so many other runners/walkers who pass by and just stare straight ahead as if I wasn't even there. I watch them and it seems like they have to put so much effort into ignoring me. They can't just throw me a wave, or even just a nod of the head??

One day I got so annoyed with the non-wavers that I decided to say hi to everyone I saw, even if they tried to ignore me. The normal wavers waved back. About half of the non-wavers waved and smiled. The other half looked at me as if I was standing there completely naked, jumping up and down.

I can't imagine not waving and saying hello. There is a father/son that I see often. The son is in his 40/50s and the Dad appears to be in his 70s/80s. They are so very friendly. Always a hi, good morning, have a good weekend, etc. It is just nice to acknowledge each other.

So...how about all of you out there....are you a waver or a non-waver?? For the non-runners, how about when you walk around the neighborhood and see someone outside their house...do you wave or ignore? For the non wavers, do you find people like me annoying?? Do you want to give me a shove, steal my water and run away??

Where I have been...

2009-05-14T21:03:00.001-07:00

I have been BUSY!! This weekend is our neighborhood's garage sale and is is huge!! The year that we moved in our neighbors had warned us and I smiled and thought to myself "Yeah right, how big could it be?"

Well...it is BIG! There are officers directing traffic, vendors set up selling funnel cake and lemonade and streets become one-way to help with the traffic flow.

I have been busy cleaning out, setting up, organizing and pricing. I will be happy when it is over because:
1. My house will be less cluttered
2. I will be done with the cleaning out, setting up, organizing and pricing
3. We will have more money in our pockets :)

Here is a pic of my garage right now:

MissyMiss loves to help with the garage sale. She sets up her own table to sell toys she is done with and uses her money to buy something new. She even has her own little fanny pack to wear and hold all her money in.

Now I am just hoping for good weather!

Make a Wish Race Report

2009-05-11T19:50:00.001-07:00

I had my first 5K of the year this past Saturday and it was awesome! I was starting to forget that wonderful feeling I get when I race and am so happy that I signed up for the race.

It was a charity run to benefit the local make-a-wish chapter. I got to the race about 30 minutes before the start time, grabbed my bag/number, dropped the bag back off at my car and then headed to the line at the women's bathroom, which was way too long! The men's room (of course) had no wait at all! I finally made it to the stall and then headed over to the starting line.

It was a run/walk, so there was an interesting mix of people. As everyone headed to the start, I tried to get a spot in front of the walkers, but not too far in front. There were a few opening remarks before the race and one of the speakers was a mom whose son had leukemia and was granted a wish. Of course being the sensitive girl that I am, I got all choked up.

Finally the race started and I hit start on my Garmin and turned on my iPod with the volume low. My best time last year was 28:20 and I was just hoping to beat it. My goal was to stay around 9:00 miles. The first mile was just fine...I was cruising along and felt good. Then I hit the hills...yikes! I run hills at least once a week in my neighborhood, but I run them much slower. I was thrilled that I was able to stay around a 9:30 pace on the uphills.

By mile 2 I was really feeling it and starting to wonder "Why do I sign up for these things?" But...at this point I was passing all of the people who had gone out way too fast, including most of a boys high school lacrosse team....suckers. :) This helped to keep me going.

As I hit the 2.8 mile mark I could start to see the crowd at the finish. I was right around a 9:00 pace. I felt like I had nothing left in me at all and just wanted to make it to that finish line. I turned a corner and heard the cheering and somehow I reached deeper and was able to pick up the pace. For the last bit, my Garmin read 8:20 pace.

I crossed the finish line at 28:04. I was thrilled to beat my best time, but of course feeling like if I only I could have ran a little faster and broken 28 minutes. :( (But...I did start a little ways back from the starting line and also stopped for a few seconds to check on a girl behind me who fell during the race. The small races here are not chipped, so I will just have to run faster to earn a sub-28 official time.)

But...there is always next time. My next 5K is next month and the course is completely flat...yee haw!

Thank you to everyone who left me such nice wishes for the race on my last post...I love reading all of the comments...they truly make my day.

I almost forgot to add...when I got on the scale the morning of the race I saw that I have reached my first weight loss goal...13 pounds lost...go me!

My 8

2009-05-08T10:25:00.000-07:00

Heather over at Junk Miles tagged me...so here goes:

8 things to which I'm looking forward
1. My first 5K of the season tomorrow
2. Shopping on Mother's Day
3. My daughter's school dance tonight
4. Our big garage sale this weekend
5. My first half marathon this fall
6. My son's 3rd b-day this summer
7. The summer with my kiddos
8. Meeting my brother's new wife and stepkids this summer

8 things I did yesterday
1. Rode my bike
2. Doctor appointment
3. Shopping at TJ Maxx
4. Starbucks
5. Went to see my daughter's art displayed in the district art exhibit
6. tucked my kids into bed
7. Sat with Bubby and watched the diggers dig up our old driveway
8. Watched King of Queens

8 things I would like to do
1. Run a half marathon
2. Run a marathon
3. Open a bakery/coffee shop
4. Buy a hummer
5. Drive across the country
6. Do all handmade gifts for Christmas one year
7. Visit my sister in Canada
8. go for a manicure/pedicure

8 shows I watch
1. American Idol
2. Chopped
3. Throwdown ( Bobby Flay is my "tv boyfriend"...he just doesn't know it yet)
4. Millionaire Matchmaker (this show is awful...but I still watch it)
5. King of Queens
6. 90210 (reruns of the original one)
7. Jon and Kate
8. Iron Chef

8 people I tag
1. J. Leigh Designz
2. Life Student
3. Pam
4. Wendy
5. Mabry's Gamma
6. Stan
7. Spirit in Me
8. Joy Run

Tomorrow is my first 5K of the year and I am really looking forward to it. I have missed racing. I will let y'all know how it goes. :)

Hydration belt

2009-05-02T20:49:00.000-07:00

I finally went out and bought a hydration belt. This is the one I got. I did 8 miles today, but didn't try it out for 2 reasons:
1. It was only in the 50s (absolutely perfect weather for running)
2. I am not quite sure how to wear it.

When my husband came home and saw it, our conversation went somewhat like this:

Me: Hey, I got my hydration belt today (holding it up)
Hubby: (laughing) Do you plan on wearing that?
Me: Well duh, yeah. I am not sure exactly how to wear it...I don't want to look like a dork.
(At this point, I know what is coming...)
Hubby: I don't really think it matters, you will look a dork any way you wear it.

He is just too funny. (Not!) He is actually a biker and wears a Camelback, so I don't know why he finds my belt so darn funny.

So...how do I wear this thing? I know it has to be around my waist. :) Does the fanny pack part go around back? That is how I am thinking it should be worn...am I right?

Hope everyone is having an awesome weekend. Friday night we took the kiddies to our local minor league baseball game and they LOVED it. It was Bubby's first time...pics to come. :)

My shorts stink!

2009-04-27T20:30:00.000-07:00

I got back into running after my daughter was born and was overweight at the time. So, I have always worn either pants or capris to run in. I am finally within about 6 pounds of being out of the overweight category and thought that I would give shorts a try. My legs are finally looking decent enough that I am comfortable being in shorts.

So...I found a really cute pair of Adidas shorts at TJ Maxx and a cute matching tank top. I planned a 3 miler in the neighborhood this evening. I got dressed in my new cute outfit and headed out the door.

Almost as soon as I started running, the shorts started riding up in the front in the crotch area. I started pulling down at them with ever step that I took...it was AWFUL! I headed back home, changed into workout capris and headed back out.

What's a girl to do? Should I just stick with the capris? They are a stretchy black material and fit well and are comfortable. But, in the 90 degree weather we have been having, it would have been nice to be wearing something cooler. I am considering a running skirt....anyone out there have one? Any problems with it when running??

What happenned to spring??

2009-04-25T16:06:00.000-07:00

Here in upstate NY, the weather seems to have gone from winter to summer. It was 80 degrees today! Since I am not a fan of the heat, I was missing spring. My favorite weather would be 55-65 degrees....just right for running.

I went out this morning for a 7 mile run and was very unprepared for the heat. After the first 4 miles, I was hot, sweaty and starting to get a little light-headed. I had only had a little bit of water before I started. So, instead of a quick water break and back to running, I decided to take a little break. I found a lovely bench in the shade and sat there with my water bottle. After about 10 minutes I was feeling much better and went back out and finished the last 3.

I hate to stop in the middle, but I was not feeling well enough to continue. The 10 minutes in the shade with water did the trick though. This week I am planning on getting a hydration belt. I would have loved to have had my water with me. I am going to get the one with 2 smaller bottles.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

My little town

2009-04-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

I grew up on Long Island in a town with a population of over 35,000. The town I live in now has a population of around 8,000. My town is small and friendly and just right for our family. I am constantly reminded of the lyrics to "Little Town".

Well, the stars, they just seem brighter,
An' the pace is nice an' slow.
An' families stay together.
God must be smilin' down here on little town.
Aren't you glad we settled down here in little town?

Friday was an absolutely gorgeous day here. Poor hubby had to work, but MissyMiss was out of school for spring break.

There is a wonderful family-run ice cream place here. It is a little tiny building with 2 windows to get your food. The seating is outdoor picnic tables. They have 2 big swingsets. It is one of our family's favorite places to go.

I took the kiddies there for lunch on Friday. In addition to ice cream, they have a small kitchen and do hot dogs, hamburgers, sandwiches, etc. You really just can't beat the prices. A grilled cheese sandwich and small bag of chips is less than $2.00.

It is the kind of place where the owner knows my kids by name. It closes for the winter and just re-opened. On Friday as the kids walked up to the counter, the woman said hi to them by name and remarked on how much they had grown over the winter. This is the kind of town that I live in.

This ice cream place is just a part of my family's history. We go every year on opening day for the season. Sometimes it is raining on opening day, even snowing. We have run out in the snow, grabbed our ice cream and then run back to the warm car to eat it.

When MissyMiss was only a few days old, I was desperate to get out. We drove there for milkshakes. It will MissyMiss's first time. Bubby also went as a newborn.

We still do down to NYC at least once a year to visit. This is where both Hubby and I grew up. But for now, this little town is just right for my family.

My B-day

2009-04-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh...I just realized that it has been almost a week since my last post...it has been busy here! MissyMiss is out of school this week and the weather has been beautiful, so we have been playing outside a lot.

I have been meaning to share some birthday pics.

On my birthday I started out watching some cartoons with the kiddies. Once they remembered it was my birthday, they ran to get my presents.

MissyMiss got me a purse last year for my birthday and wanted to continue the tradition...yeah! I picked it out, but she wrapped it and told me it was from just her.

At Christmas, my husband had taken Bubby shopping with him when they got me a box of Godiva chocolates...my favorite. So, when Bubby found out it was going to be my birthday he kept saying "I get you chocolates!"

After presents, I went out shopping for the morning and part of the afternoon. I had some birthday money burning a hole in my pocket.

When I came home, I found these on the counter.

Hubby had taken the kids out for errands and MissyMiss insisted on getting me flowers and she chose exactly which ones.

We then all went out to dinner. It was a wonderful and relaxing day!

A Wonderful Day

2009-04-11T18:03:00.000-07:00

On January 6 I started my own weight-loss challenge. I challenged myself to lose a pound a week, which would total 13 pounds by my birthday. Well...today is my birthday! I stepped on the scale this morning and am happy to say I have lost a total of 12.4 pounds!!!!! This is so close to my goal and I am just thrilled!!!

I went shopping this morning with some birthday money and was so happy to be buying a size smaller than before I lost the weight. It was so much fun! I will post some pics of what the kids got me as soon as I get myself organized.

The running forum that I am a member of started a biggest loser challenge 2 weeks after I started my own challenge. I joined the team challenge, which continues until May. The bad news is that tomorrow is my weigh-in day for that and I had a lovely birthday dinner and dessert tonight. :( I will have to get started working that all off....tomorrow.

It's my party....

2009-04-10T15:04:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is my birthday...the big 3-1!! Last year I was a little sad to turn 30. I just liked being able to say that I was "in my twenties"...even if I was 29. I didn't want to say that I am "in my thirties". Although, I am sure that when I am 39 I will be happy to say that.

But...I have accepted the fact that my twenties are a thing of the past and I am embracing my age...kinda. :)

Hubby took the kids to get me a birthday gift the other morning. He had taken Bubby Christmas shopping last year and they got me a box of Godiva chocolates. (My favorite!) So, when Bubby heard it was my birthday he kept saying "I go get Mama chocolate!". He brought them home later in the morning and the first thing Bubby said was "I get you chocolate!". So much for a secret. :)

My plan for the day is to go out shopping for a few hours...quilt store, shoes, clothes...all the good ones. Then, out to dinner with hubby and kids. Sounds like a great day to me!

How do you all like to celebrate your birthday?

I'm back, baby!!

2009-04-08T19:38:00.000-07:00

It was almost 2 weeks ago that I hurt my back and thankfully it is pretty much fully resolved...thank goodness! I was going crazy not being able to run. I waited about 10 days until the pain was completely gone before getting back to running. I did 3 miles on Sunday and 3.5 today without a problem, so I think I am good to go.

Here are my stats for March:
Run: 54.9 miles
walk: 170 minutes
Bike: 335 minutes

Not too bad. My mileage is up from Jan and Feb, due to the nicer weather. While I love long runs outdoors, I hate them on the treadmill. The longest I can manage on the treadmill is 4 miles, then I run out of things to think about.

Week 13 and where I have been...

2009-04-06T08:25:00.000-07:00

I have been missing in action this past week because it was MissyMiss's birthday week, which means lots of parties!!

Here she is the day of her birthday. I appliqued a "6" on her shirt for her to wear to school. She was thrilled with it.

For her kiddie party, we rented out the local skating rink. The older kids could skate or ride their bike and the younger ones brought ride-on toys. Here is Bubby with his ride-on rocket. He had a ball!

Here is MissyMiss cruising around the rink. Daddy taught her to rollerblade last year and she is quite the pro now.

We had pizza and then the 6 dozen cupcakes that I baked. Here they are...talk about temptation! There is nothing better than homemade frosting. I had to stop myself from eating it by the spoonful.

This weekend we went to breakfast with the Easter Bunny and then had family over to celebrate her birthday.

So...it was a fun, but exhausting week. I made 6 dozen cupcakes for the party, 2 dozen for Open House at school and 2 dozen for her to bring to school on her birthday...a total of 10 dozen cupcakes in one week, all with homemade buttercream frosting.

I am fairly shocked to say that I lost .2 pounds this week. I had been planning on a gain and was very happy to see a loss, even if it was small.

My personal weight loss challenge ends on Saturday, my birthday. I had planned to lose 1 pound a week, for a total of 14 by my birthday. Right now I am at just over 11. So, while I may not reach my goal, I will have come close and be keeping at it. My biggest loser competition runs until May, so I will still be weighing in for that one.

A Weekend Trip

2009-04-02T20:20:00.000-07:00

We traveled down to NYC this past weekend to take in some sights and visit family. It was a fun and fattening trip.

We started our trip with Lunch at Gray's Papaya. It was my first time there and the hot dogs were delish!!! I love the movie "You've Got Mail" and the two main characters eat there in the movie and I just had to try it. Hubby, kids and I all loved the hot dogs.

Then it was off to The Museum of Natural History. We have gone there every spring for the past 3 years. Usually we focus on the dinosuars. MissyMiss has recently discovered "Night at the Museum" and LOVES it. I went on to the museum's website and they had a page listing where you could find the things from the movie. This was a hit with the kids. Their favorite was the Easter Island head....DumDum want GumGum!!

Bubby's favorite part was the Hall of Marine Life. He kept saying "That not real....that not real...". I think he was trying to reassure himself that the huge whale hanging from the ceiling was "not real".

We headed to Central Park and FAO Schwartz. It was the kids first time there and it was fun...just a bit overwhelming for them. MissyMiss took her picture with the soldier outside, but Bubby was too scared.

The kids also had their first taxi ride. I think it was MissyMiss's favorite part of the trip.

We brought back dessert from Crumbs bakery. I am a true cupcake lover and was not disappointed....they were A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. They were ginormous. I could only eat a half.

It was a wonderful little trip and we can't wait to go back next year! I have been spending this week trying to work off all of the extra calories!

(In the interest of full disclosure I must also admit that while in NYC I had roasted peanuts from the guy on the corner and a delicious slice of pizza. There are just some things that I must eat while I am there. You just can't get it quite the same anywhere else. The only thing missing was a good NYC bagel with schmear...how I miss living on Long Island. :( )

In running news, my back injury is coming along. I am continuing with my back stretches and exercises. I have gotten back to walking and back on the bike, but feel like I should wait a few more days for running. I am really missing it and can't wait to get back to it.

Week 12

2009-03-30T11:09:00.000-07:00

I only lost .1 pound this week. :( But...it is better than gaining weight!

I also hurt my back on Friday and have been dealing with that. It was feeling better Saturday morning, but I spent Saturday walking around NYC with the hubby and kids and it was pretty bad again Sunday. It seems to be a bit better today, but I am still taking it easy. I haven't run since Wednesday and it is killing me! I am trying very hard to be patient. Today it feels very tight, but at least I am walking fairly normal again.

We had a lovely trip to NYC this weekend...I will post some pics later.

This will be a very busy week for us. It is MissyMiss's birthday week and tomorrow is her kiddie party. 30+ kids at the skating rink. I have to frost 6 dozen cupcakes tonight and only do frosting from scratch, so it will likely take up my whole night. I will just have to keep myself from tasting too much frosting!

Temptation

2009-03-24T19:16:00.001-07:00

This is what temptation looks like:

Wait....there's more...

Need I say more? Help!

Week 11

2009-03-23T11:28:00.001-07:00

I think that my virus helped matters this week, as far as weight loss is concerned. I am down 1.2 pounds this week. Go me!!

My running definitely suffered though. I ran Tuesday, hours before getting sick and got a great hill workout in. I took off completely Wed and Thurs and then did an easy treadmill run Friday. I headed out yesterday with a plan of 7-8 miles, but everything seemed to go wrong.

First, I got there and realized I had forgotten both my Garmin and my i-Pod...oh no! Then, I realized it was much colder and windier than I had anticipated. Once I got started, my body just felt awful...very tired and run down. So, I only did 4.5. A year or 2 ago, I would have been happy with 4.5. But, I have my sights set on a half marathon this fall, so getting my long runs up is important right now. I did 7 last week and felt awesome, so maybe my body is still not 100% after the awful bug I had.

I'm back...I think

2009-03-20T15:08:00.000-07:00

It has been a rough week! I had this awful and strange bug with dizziness and vomiting...lots of fun. The next day I was just completely wiped out. Hubby did a great job with the kids, but the house is a whole other story. By the time I was feeling better, my house looked like a frat house....lots of crumbs, sticky stuff, piles of laundry, etc. I have been digging out.

In good news, I got my first blog award from J. Leigh Designz. How fun!

Here is how it works!

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.

2. Nominate 5 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!

3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.

4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

It is hard for me to pick 5...I have some many awesome blogs that I read. Here are the blogs I tag:

1. Pam

2. Mabry's Gamma

3. Tanya

4. Heather

5. Wendy

I also have decided to take my music off. After hearing from some people that it made my blog take longer to load and that it hindered them from checking it at work ( :) ) I decided to go without the music. :)

Have a great weekend!

A Before and After

2009-03-17T13:53:00.000-07:00

I have been at this weight loss thing for 10 weeks and am at 9.4 pounds lost. My goal was to be down 10 by now...but I am pretty close.

I had planned on posting a before and after pic at 10 weeks, so here they are.

Just below is my before. It was taken in December, the week before Christmas.

Here is my current after. It was taken this past Sunday

I do notice some difference. I notice more of a difference in the way my clothing fits. I was shopping this weekend and am definitely down a size.

I showed my husband, who speaks exactly what is on his mind. He said "definitely less junk in the trunk" and "definitely less chins." Yes, he is just so very sensitive.:)

After comparing these pics, I noted a few things:

1. My hair looks better when I straighten it.

2. Eating lots of Christmas cookies may add on the pounds, but man do I look happy!

3. My kitchen looks cleaner in pictures than it does in real life..always good to know.

Overall, I am happy. I still have a ways to go though.